Monday, February 25, 2008

A Place I'd Like to Live

Iceland is a beautiful country that has rolling green plains and fresh, crisp air. Frequently, babies and young children are left outside the home to breathe in the clean, fresh air. Not only does it have a refreshing environment but it ranks as the fifth most productive country in the world based on GDP at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). That's pretty impressive considering that Iceland's population is only a little over 300,000 people, which is smaller than the city of Charleston, SC. Iceland has undergone one of the fastest economic transformations in the world in recent years. From 2000-2004 it had the best performing Western stock market. Much of Iceland's economical success depends on the fishing industry and how well it performs year to year. The fishing industry provides nearly 40% of the export earnings and employs 8% of the workforce. In addition to its successful productivity, it has a literacy rating in the 99th percentile. It also boasts an extremely even wealth distribution, where the no individuals rank in the top or bottom 5% of yearly income. Lastly, it is an extremely safe place to live. Crime practically is non-existent. Iceland's only downfall may be its temperature but with all of its other positives throwing on a jacket really doesn't seem that bad.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Cover Letter

I believe a cover letter for your resume is important. While the resume describes your work experience, a cover letter is able to relate the benefits and capabilities that you will offer the organization in order for it to achieve greater success. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company. If two people are being considered for the job, a well-written cover letter may elevate one candidate over the other. Also, writing a cover specifically addressed to someone within the organization shows that you have taken the time to identify your target. Understanding the companies goals enable you to write a more personalized, detail-oriented cover letter about the organization. Sending out a mass cover letter most likely only contains information about you and cannot be tailored directly to a specific organization. Adding a hand-written postscript is also a nice touch. It will easily stand out against the other printed material. A testimonial might also be a nice touch to reinforce the quality of your work. This would reinforce the positive statements written by you in your cover letter.
I think all resumes should be accompanied by a cover letter. Even if they are never read, they show the employer that you have taken the time to research and evaluate the company.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Job Interview

I chose the article "Four Dont's When Dealing With Recruiters" and "Minor Matters That Make Your Interview." The first article is informative about dealing with the recruiter in an appropriate manner. Being friendly is a must when dealing with a prospective employer. Most people know to act courteous and respectful to the interviewer. Asking for coaching looks unprofessional and unprepared. If you are asking your recruiter how to create your cover letter then they are sure to cross you off their list. Asking for insider information and special treatment is also inappropriate. If they offer this information just take note but do not be nosy. If you impress them then they are sure to take note of your interview.
The second article I read pertains to minor matters before the interview process. These tips may seem like insignificant details but these details may get you the job. Selecting an appropriate business attire is necessary to look professional and respectful. Fresh breath is also an important detail because no one wants to smell bad breath and is a turnoff. Being punctual is extremely important. If you arrive late for an interview you can all but kiss that potential job away. Lastly, your behavior both before, during, and after the interview are all important because you never know who is watching you. It is important that you conduct yourself in an appropriate manner inside as well as outside work because if you are responsible for your conduct and represent the organization. If you act inappropriately then you may tarnish the organizations reputation.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

The Power of Persuasion

Former presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, uses rhetoric while describing current president, George W. Bush's mentality on starting World War III, in his article The Bombs Away Mentality. In the article, Nader mocks Bush for stating Iran will start World War III if they are not prevented from developing nuclear weapons or having "the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon." Nader states that only the U.S. or Russia has the funding and the man power to start such a war and weapons of mass destruction would take 3 to 5 years before completion. In addition, the Pentagon is worried about the already drained military fighting in Iraq, a successful military strategy, and the consequences of Bush's bombs away mentality. Although Bush needs the backing of Congress before declaring war on any country, he seems to have it from both the Republican and Democratic parties. In the article, the New York Times concluded: "it was bad enough having a one-party government when the Republicans controlled the White House and both houses of Congress. But the Democrats took over and still the one-party system continues." Nader contributes this to two issues, fear and greed. The Democrats have repeatedly caved on critical constitutional regulations and policies and recently, Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson Jr., persuaded a Democrat to decrease the corporate income tax rate from by 10%, from 35% to 25%, during a decade of increasing record profits. Nader sites these examples to show Americans the corruption and abuse of authority that is taking place in the U.S. government.

Website:
http://www.counterpunch.org/nader10232007.html