A new study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences finds that the attractiveness of interviewees can significantly bias outcome in hiring practices, showing a clear distinction between the attractive and average looking interviewees in terms of high and low status job packages offered.

“When someone is viewed as attractive, they are often assumed to have a number of positive social traits and greater intelligence,” say Carl Senior and Michael J.R. Butler, authors of the study. “This is known as the ‘halo effect’ and it has previously been shown to affect the outcome of job interviews.” The study explored the influence of the halo effect in a mock job negotiation scenario where male and female interviewers were shown pictures of attractive or average looking male and female job applicants.

Female interviewers were found to allocate attractive looking male interviewees more high status job packages than the average looking men. Female interviewers also gave more high status job packages to attractive men than to attractive women. Average looking men also received more low status job packages than average looking women. Male interviewers did not differ in the number of high or low status job packages that were given to attractive looking interviewees of either sex, though the male interviewers gave out more low status job packages overall, irrespective of the sex of the interviewee.

However, the male interviewers were not entirely without bias. The electrodermal response (EDR), a psycho-physiological response measured when emotions are used to make a preferential decision, of the interviewers was measured. When emotions are used to make a preferential decision, it is thought that the anticipatory EDR level increases. There was a highly significant increase in the anticipatory EDR when the male interviewers assigned the low status job packages to the attractive female candidates. The fact that this difference only occurred when assigning low status job packages ensures that the effect could not have been driven by interpersonal attraction, but rather by emotion. Female interviewers did not exhibit any significant EDR differences, suggesting their bias occurs on a cognitive level.

This study is the first application of EDR to examine the influential role of beauty, status and sex during job negotiations. “From a business point-of-view, there is a need for leaders/managers to be aware of their assumptions in decision-making processes, be they strategic or operational, and that they may be prone to emotion and bias,” say the authors.

These top interview tips will help you cover everything you need to know to successfully ace a job interview. From checking out the company to sending an interview thank you note, these job interview tips cover all the basics needed for interviewing success.

Check Out the Company

How much do you know about the company that just contacted you to schedule an interview? It should be plenty, and all the information you need is available online. Here are tips on how to research a company, get the inside scoop on the company culture, and use connections who can help you get an interview advantage.

Use Your Contacts

Who you know at the company you are interviewing with really does matter. Here’s how to use your contacts and connections to get an insider advantage so you can ace the interview and impress the interviewer.

Practice Interviewing

Taking the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses and will help calm your frazzled nerves, because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while you’re in the interview hot seat. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you’re actually in a job interview.

Improve Your Interview Technique

A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention

Dress for Interview Success

The first impression you make on a potential employer can make a big difference. The first judgement an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That’s why it’s always important to dress professionally for a job interview.

Handle a Group Interview

Interviewing with one person is tough enough, but it’s even harder when you have to interview with a group (or panel) of interviewers. Here’s how advice on how to ace a panel interview.

Interview While Dining

Taking you to breakfast, lunch or dinner provides the interviewer with a chance to check out your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more casual environment than an office setting. Here’s advice on how to handle an interview while dining.

Prepare for a Phone Interview

While you’re actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk. Review these tips for advice on how to pull off your phone interview without a hitch.

Take the Time to Say Thank You

Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position. Use your thank you letter, as well, to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview.

More Job Interview Tips

More tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and additional advice for interview success.

When you need to write a cover letter, it’s sometimes the small things that make a big difference. Review these cover letter tips and techniques for writing top notch cover letters to send with your resume, including cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects how you are applying for the job or the type of job search assistance you are requesting. Your cover letter should be designed specifically for the purpose you are writing and customized for each position you seek. Cover letters can be sent via email as an attachment or in the body of your email message, posted to a job site when you apply online, as a message on LinkedIn or other networking sites, or sent via mail. Regardless of the type of cover letter you are sending, include a copy of your resume. When you’re writing via email or a networking site messaging system also include a link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.

Types of Cover Letters

Resume Cover Letters

When you’re writing a cover letter to apply for an advertised job, you will be sending a traditional cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter should be customized for the job you are applying for, so the reader can see, at a glance, why you are a top candidate for the jobs.

Sample Cover Letters

Prospecting Letters

Prospecting letters are letters inquiring about open positions at a company, rather than letters applying for a specific job opening. This letters should also be customized so the reader knows you have an understanding of the company and its mission. When sending prospecting letters, include a copy of your resume.

Sample Prospecting letter

Networking Letters

Networking letters are letters written to contacts requesting job search assistance or career advice. Referral letters are used to write to a mutual connection asking them to refer you to a job opportunity or requesting assistance with a job search. Letters of introduction are used to refer a candidate to a prospective employer. There are also general networking letters you can use to ask for job search help. Again, send your resume with your networking letter so the reader can see your background and experience.

Sample Networking Letters

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants. When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country. The Differences between a Resume and a CV There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions. Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include. Review CV Samples It’s often helpful to take a look at a sample or two before you start writing. Here are a selection of sample CVs, including versions for academia and for international employment, to review:

Sample Curriculum Vitae

• CV Format
• CV Template
• Microsoft Curriculum Vitae Templates
• Academic Curriculum Vitae Template
• Sample Curriculum Vitae
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – Academic
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – Academic
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – Employment
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – Information Technology
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – Medical
• Sample Teaching Abroad Curriculum Vitae
• Curriculum Vitae Example

Sample International CVs

• International Curriculum Vitae Example
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – International Employment
• Sample Curriculum Vitae International Theater
• Sample Curriculum Vitae – International Employment
• Sample International CV – Engineering Student(PDF)
• Sample Dissertation Curriculum Vitae
• Sample International Curriculum Vitae
• Sample International Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
• Sample Curriculum Vitae (International with Photo)(PDF)
• Sample Curriculum Vitae (Belgium)(PDF)
• Sample Curriculum Vitae (India)(PDF)
• Sample Curriculum Vitae (Kenya)(PDF)
• Sample Chronological French Resume
• Sample Chronological French Resume
• Sample Functional French Resume
• Sample Functional French Resume
• French Resume/CV (Le CV français) (in English and French)
• German Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Sample German CV (Lebenslauf) (in German)
• Japanese Resume Samples (in English)
• Sample United Kingdom Curriculum Vitae
• Sample British / UK Curriculum Vitae

Are you just out of high school or college? Retired? Care about the environment and want your travels to make a difference? Want to polish your resume in the meantime?

Working on sustainable projects is a great way to make this dream a reality. You have the opportunity to see the world in a meaningful way, as well as contributing to the local environment. There are a variety of options to choose from – just find the one that suits you best, and go for it!

Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

WWOOF hosts offer volunteers food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. WWOOF organizations link people who want to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help. Visit the WWOOF website to search for your perfect farm work stay.

Lotan Kibbutz in Israel has opportunities for volunteers to learn about organic agriculture, permaculture and sustainable living as well.

Try an internship

Sound simple? Interning is often the easiest way to earn your keep and travel too. Look for causes and organizations you believe in. Jump-start your search at Idealist.

Eco-resort jobs

Gardening, cooking, building tree houses, the experience of working on an eco-resort requires one to be a jack-of-all trades. The Black Sheep Inn in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador takes volunteers, as does Saba Ecolodge on Saba Island in the Caribbean. Search for opportunities around the world on the Eco Tropical Resorts website.

Environmental education camps

Love kids? Environmental education camps offer myriad opportunities to work and travel. Look at summercamps.com for international placements.

Become a research assistant

Visit university job sites such as Texas A & M University to find local and international opportunities. Also try looking into field research stations, some take volunteers and will provide room and board. It may even lead to a career change!

Work with wildlife

There are many opportunities throughout the world to work in as a wildlife rehabilitator. Greece, Bulgaria, Finland, and Venezuela are a few countries with many organizations. The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and Green Volunteers are good places to start. Wildlife tracking is lesser known as an option but just as rewarding.

Park work

National and international opportunities abound. In the USA try CoolWorks or The Student Conservation Association.

There are so many options to choose from, there’s sure to be one that will allow you to follow your dream. Whether you end up working as a teacher, researcher or rehabilitator, follow your passion and you can’t go wrong

After you learn that you have been laid-off, it can be difficult to focus and take action– particularly if the news of your dismissal came as a surprise. So it’s more than understandable if all you want to do is crawl under the covers or hop on the first plane to Bermuda. Unfortunately, there are several things you really do need to address ASAP, and the sooner you take care of them, the smoother your transition will be: 1. Review your separation package: At the termination meeting, your employer should provide you with a folder of information containing specific forms and instructions to review. In addition to details regarding severance payment (and payment for accrued vacation time), your separation package may include information regarding outplacement/ job search assistance services, continuation of insurance benefits (COBRA), 401-K and/or other pension plans, access to employee assistance services and details regarding payment of outstanding bonuses, commissions, profit sharing plans, etc. Remember it is not always necessary to file all of the papers in your package within the first 72 hours, but it is extremely important that you take the time to review all of the components of your separation package carefully to insure that you receive the maximum benefits being offered to you. If you have any questions regarding your separation package, do not hesitate to contact your employer, accountant or attorney for clarification. 2. Share the news with your spouse or significant other: It may seem odd to list this as a “must-do” step, because most people will automatically do this without prompting. After all, it’s only logical that your partner deserves to be told immediately about your job loss. Nonetheless, I know situations where this step was delayed, at least temporarily. One gentleman I knew, even continued to go through his usual routine each morning; putting on his suit, heading out for the morning train, and then staying away from the house all day – just to create the impression that he was still employed. As difficult as it may be to share this news, the sooner you get it over with, the easier it will be for all involved. Putting it off will only make matters worse. Trying to spare your partner unnecessary anguish, while admirable, may well backfire if he/she feels that you have intentionally kept them in the dark. 3. Talk to your children: Once you and your spouse have an opportunity to digest the news, you’ll want to discuss the best way to share the news with your children. While you can probably wait a day or two before meeting with your children, thereby giving yourself some time to calm down and gather your thoughts, don’t let weeks go by without sharing the news. Children often have a sixth sense when something is wrong, so letting them know what is happening, in an age-appropriate manner, is vital. 4. Let people know how they can reach you during this transition: One of the problems associated with losing your job, is that you can quickly lose touch with business associates if they no longer know how to get a hold of you. To avoid this problem, immediately send an e-mail to your business associates letting them know your new contact information. While you may want to send a personal note to close contacts, a simple business-like note to the majority of your client list will suffice. You can (and probably should) follow up with a more detailed piece of correspondence a few weeks down the road, but for now you just want to ensure they can reach you in the interim. 5. File for unemployment benefits: The fifth, but by no means least important “must-do” step, is to file for unemployment. Granted, you won’t get paid very much, but it is money that you are entitled to and you’d be foolish not to claim it. Don’t let pride stand in your way – this is money you’ve earned fair and square. If it makes you feel any better, be aware that unemployment is funded by employers and the more claims are credited against any one employer, the higher their rate of taxation becomes – a not so subtle way to try to limit the number of layoffs. Fortunately, filing for unemployment has been simplified in recent years. In many states, you can now file by telephone, removing the stigma of having to stand on long lines at the unemployment office. Once your claim is processed, you’ll be required to call in once a week to keep your account active.

While many people may be tempted to take up the first job that comes their way to take care of the bills and huge student loans that need to be repaid, others may mull over this decision for quite some time and select a company that fits their goals and needs.

The job market today is extremely competitive, and if you want to work with a company that suits your job requirements, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of working with both small and big organizations.

Benefits Of Working For Small Companies

You need to choose your work environment carefully where you can showcase your talents and pave your way to a fulfilling career. Working with a small company has its own advantages. When you choose to work for a smaller organization, you stand a greater chance of being noticed. You don’t get lost in the crowd – and if you are strong performer, you will get faster promotions and pay raises.

Small companies are the ones that have a total workforce of five hundred or less. These companies are generally fast-paced and it is a lot easier to excel, provided you have the talent required to reach the top. If you lack specialization in a particular field, but have the ability to learn new skills and handle variety of projects, you can easily get a good job in smaller organizations. In fact, by being involved in multiple projects, you gain more experience and become more competent.

In the past, people chose large companies as they offered better job security. However, with the current trend of employee downsizing among large organizations, there is little or no job security in the first place. Unlike large companies, in small organizations you get to interact with the top management. This goes a long way in building a loyal and committed workforce.

Benefits Of Working For Large Companies

Large companies usually have a workforce comprising of about two thousand or more employees who compete with one another to reach the top positions that are usually limited. Most people choose to work with large companies because of the benefits that they are offered. More than eighty percent of these companies offer health care packages to all their employees and their families. They may also offer other benefits such as paid vacations, paid holidays, retirement benefits, and full-coverage health insurance.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a large company is that generally, you can start off with a higher salary as compared to smaller companies. Large companies operate in a more structured manner and salary increments, bonuses and promotions are linked to the performance of the company and the organization. As an employee of a corporation, you have access to a variety of training programs that are designed to hone your business skills and upgrade your technical knowledge.

Since these companies have a wide network, you may get a chance to relocate to your favorite destination for better living opportunities. Large companies provide a stable work environment and the growth of the company largely depends on the team spirit of the workforce.

Your choice of organization should be based on quality of work experience you will gain rather than the size of the organization. If you have the talent and the expertise, you will quickly climb the corporate ladder irrespective of the size of the company.