Tag Archives: education

New Train of Thought: Holistic Learning, Working and Being

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Greetings and salutations readers,

There has been a lot that has conspired since the last time I have written to you. I’ve gone through a career change, I’ve changed my eating habits, I have decided to face financial items head on that should’ve been addressed a long time ago, and I have a completely different view on life. Being a holistic teacher has taught me a lot about myself and about those that I educate. I realize it is not only my responsibility to enlighten you with knowledge of business and human resources, but with actual, practical, tactical life skills to help you get to where you need to be in life.

I have been doing a lot of research on the need for understanding the basics. Without the basics of anything, we have a foundation for nothing. The basics provide us with the understanding of why we are doing what we’re doing and where we need to go with what we’re doing. If you’ve been following me or reading my articles for a while, you know that my life mantra is “more being, less doing.” By that I mean we need to decide to be more and stop thinking that just because we say we’re “busy” means that we’re doing something of meaning. In actuality, we are doing nothing if we are not deciding to be more in every moment for the purpose for our own lives.

It is time to think more, challenge more, understand more, realize more, interact more, empathize more and be more. I know firsthand that many of you are going through many different struggles, we all have things and situations that we’re currently dealing with on top of finding our purpose in life. What you must ask yourself in every moment is “Who am I being and what are my doing?” Einstein said something that resonates with me since I have been researching and studying holistic thinking. He said “If you can’t explain something in the simplest terms, in the lowest common denominator then you don’t have a true understanding of it.”

These are the times that we are currently in. We must understand and acknowledge things from the lowest common denominator to get to solutions for the big problems. These are my thoughts, and this is how I will continue to research, think, grow and learn. I thank you for your support, and I hope that you would provide your feedback and input on different topics that you would like me to research, discover and share with you.

Peace and blessings to you and all of your endeavors,

Dr. Armstead

Motivating & Understanding the “Online Student”

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Message from Prof. Jenice Armstead

In my professional opinion, lecturing is a compilation of instructing students to understand a topic or concept and the ability to properly explain a topic with ease to students whom are less familiar with the topic. It takes practice to find what “type” of lecturing which is right for the students to receive the most out of the course. Lectures seem to have been given a “bum rap” because of the student’s perception of what a lecture is. When in fact, all topics have the potential of being exciting for all student-learning experiences. Traditional lecturing has strengths and weakness, which is one of the reasons I am always looking for ways to improve my course interaction and lecturing techniques for my students.

Motivating my students is one of the most important aspects of teaching. Positive learning environments stimulate academic growth of a student. Obtaining new online learning technologies is a way for improving lecturing techniques and developing a well-rounded academic environment for my students. As a professor, I utilized the “Learning Studio” for course interaction, discussion, electronic handouts, academic journals, class chats and assignment submissions. Learning online takes patience, dedication, motivation and constant communication. Without these key elements the success of a student is next to impossible. Professors and instructors have to be engaged and ensure that the lectures are interactive as well as informative. Implementing “interactive” learning methods and other new technology advances provide students with high opportunities for success in all courses.

After implementing the “Learning Studio” for all of my courses, my students are much more involved with the topics and are not afraid to ask questions or give an opinion during class. That was a part of my goal for implementing “interactive” lecture methods. I wanted my students to feel a sense of community and comfort with the topics being discussed. It has showed to be very effective in that student participation and communication has increased tremendously. When stimulating my students I use “blended” teaching methods. My students are heavily involved with the lectures. I make sure to have interactive questions for them to engage in the “Learning Studio.” I also make sure to have power point slides and direct “Live” Internet links to stimulate discussion among my students. The Socratic Methods are useful when teaching human resources and business management. The “Asking Instead of Telling” works especially when I want to have the class discussion on job structures and business ethics.

The four dimensions/factors for successful lecturing are: Attention (A), Relevance (R), Confidence (C), and Satisfaction (S) are attributed to learning comprehension (Guven, 2009). The attention span of a student is directly effective how the student learns. Is the student not attentive in your class? Why not? The lecture may need more “Pizzazz.” The way to give some life to a lecture is to involve you students more with their interests of the topic, or implement more of your real life professional experience into it. This is where the online relevance comes into place. How relevant is the topic to current events? Is there a way to implement current events into the topic? There is always something going on in the news or related to the Saint Leo Core Values one could use to increase the relevance of the topic. While building up the knowledge base of the student, the confidence of the student will increase. Which will increase student satisfaction of the learning experience overall (Guven, 2009). The success of the student in an online program strongly depends on the interaction, creativeness and motivation of the student as does it for the professor/instructor.

References

Guven, M. (2009). The Epistemological Beliefs of Distance Education Students. Turkish
Online Journal Of Distance Education (TOJDE), 10(3), 217-246.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2003). The Virtual Student : A Profile and Guide to Working
with Online Learners. Jossey-Bass.

Garlikov, R. (2012). The Socratic Method. Retrieved September 13, 2012, from
http://www.garlikov.com/Soc_Meth.html

Prof. Jenice Armstead

Prof. Jenice Armstead

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3

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This book provides the understanding of the comparison and contrast of three theories of organizational leadership, including their core concepts, strengths, and limitations. Each theory helps an organization develop effective leaders for the 21st Century. Human resources professionals use insights from each theory to craft organizational policy.

BookCoverImage Vol 3

 

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3”

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2

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This book provides the understanding of the concepts of performance management is related to organizational development theory. Includes a description and critique of at least four key strategies of performance management. Human resource professionals are the point of contacts for explaining how to support organizational development through application of performance management strategies.

BookCoverImage Vol 2For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2” 

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1

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This book provides an historical overview of the development of management principles during the Scientific Management Era. Including key scholars, principles, and insights, as well as notable critiques of scientific management. Human resources managers today, explain principles of scientific management as the topics are related to organizational policy, organizational development and also promote organizational growth.

 

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1”

 

Two-Cents Tuesday: Classroom Management

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Understanding Individual Behaviors and Emotional Development

Academic Review by Jenice Armstead

Abstract
This paper gives and overview of the purpose of classroom management as it pertains to the understanding of individual behaviors and emotional development of students. Motivational factors are contributing attributes for the potential success of a student. Structured lectures and lesson plans assist with the students’ ability to function and develop within a course and the utilization of advanced educational technology enables students to exhaust additional resources for academic success.

Keywords: ARCS Model of Motivation, development, stimulation, technology

Classroom Management: Understanding Individual Behaviors and Emotional Development
Classroom management requires an understanding of individual behaviors and emotional development as well as group dynamics. The ARCS Model of Motivation: Attention (A), Relevance (R), Confidence (C), and Satisfaction (S), is one method an educator uses to facilitate the dynamic of the student experience in classroom management (Keller, 1987). Students require a variety of components for educational success. The students’ growth and development depends on the ability to effectively understand the curriculum. The responsibility of the educator is to teach, encourage and motivate the student to achieve the highest understanding of the topic. Qualitative factors of student development and behavior toward curriculum suggest the educator utilizes a blend of understanding student motivational factors, sound organizational strategies, and access to advanced technologies.

Academic motivation of a student begins with the individual behaviors and emotional development. Motivational stimulation is vital to understanding how to develop and manage the students’ classroom experience. The ARCS Model of Motivation explains the facets of attributed learning comprehension of the student as it relates to motivation (Keller, 1987). Using a positive direction along with high intensity curriculum, the ARCS Model of Motivation moderates intensity factors (Guven, 2009). There is a familiarity of expectation out of a course from a students’ perspective, which drives the students’ initial motivational factors. To effectively motivate students, educators need to analyze and identify each student’s individual motivational necessities.

The educator is responsible for recognizing when a student is lacking motivation and experiencing difficulty in the class. The educator must strive to build the confidence of the student through a structured curriculum for the student to learn in a more effective way. Active and constant communication between the educator and student are vital tools for the success of the student. A strategically developed classroom lecture provides the student a course outline for the expectations of the student in the course. A weekly detailed course module gives the student an academic flow chart of topics, assignments, and due dates. The lecture and classroom management structure is the responsibility of the educator, and utilizing advanced educational technology permits for a fluid student academic experience.

The 21st Century classroom is designed, developed and determined by group dynamics used within advanced educational technology. Students are encouraged to use a multitude of educational technologies to include software such as Turn It In.com, Grammarly, Smart Thinking and eBooks. Students have the ability to interact directly with peers, educators, and libraries using online resources. For technology to be a successful tool in the curriculum, the student must feel comfortable with the software being used (Palloff & Pratt, 2003). Educators offer online lectures and “Virtual Office” hours, which can enhance communication and assistance in a technologically dominant learning environment.

Classroom management strategies involve a sympathetic arrangement of understanding individual student behaviors, development tactics, and effective learning dynamics. Promoting a positive environment that motivates the student starts with the four dimensions of the ARCS Model of Motivation: Attention (A), Relevance (R), Confidence (C), and Satisfaction (S) (Keller, 1987). Students require constant academic reassurance and stimulation. Each student is an individual when it comes to learning tactics; effective educators understand that not all students learn the same way. Planning, implementing and developing course lectures are important factors of how the student understands course topics. Immediate access to resources, such as: online forums, email and live librarian chat sessions enable students to grow with technology. Effective academic classroom management starts with an understanding of the students’ academic and behavioral needs, strategic plan, effective communication, and utilization of technology.

References
Guven, M. (2009). The Epistemological Beliefs of Distance Education
Students. Turkish Online Journal Of Distance Education (TOJDE), 10(3), 217-246.

Keller, J. M. (1987). Development and use of the ARCS model of motivational design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10(3), 2 – 10.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2003). The Virtual Student: A Profile and Guide to Working with
Online Learners. Jossey-Bass.

Excellent Turn Out for Saint Leo University Lakeland Center

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The Lakeland Information Session was a huge success. I spoke about how Saint Leo University has allowed me to not only follow my dreams, but also make them a reality. Earning my degrees (Associates, Bachelors and MBA in HR) from Saint Leo University has provided many professional opportunities, which without a degree would not be possible. I spoke about how I was able to stay focused on the goal of earning my degree(s) and how I turned several “failures” into life learning lessons.

Saint Leo University not only teaches you the concepts for earning a degree, but core life values such as: community, respect, personal development, responsible stewardship and integrity. I ended on this note: “Turn your mess into your greatest message.”
Thank you to the Saint Leo University Lakeland Education Center for inviting me to speak as the Key Note Speaker for the Information Session Event, and for more information on earning your degree with Saint Leo University go to www.saintleo.edu

Prof. Armstead, Key Note Speaker

Prof. Armstead, Key Note Speaker

Prof. Armstead, Key Note Speaker

Prof. Armstead, Key Note Speaker

Saint Leo University Information Session: Lakeland Education Center

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Location: Saint Leo University, Lakeland Education Center

Date:  Wednesday, March 26

Time:  6pm – 8pm

Do you want to learn more about Saint Leo University?  What degree programs they offer?  How you can start your academic career right?  Well, come to the Saint Leo University, Lakeland Education Center “Information Session” on Wednesday, March 26 from 6pm – 8pm.  I will be the Key Note Speaker on the importance of education in this job market and how goal setting has improved my professional value.  It will not only be informative, but you will have a chance to meet some of the faculty and speak with us one-on-one.  Jot down your questions and have them ready to ask.

Alena White, the Center Director and Jimmy Surin, Assistant Director will both be in attendance to answer your questions about Saint Leo University.  See you there, next Wednesday.

For more information: Lakeland Education Center, Saint Leo University  

 All the Best,

Prof. Jenice Armstead

Saint Leo University

Knowing Your Professional Value

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Do you know that you have professional value? Do you want to know how to increase your professional value?  I will be speaking on the importance of professional value.  Many times we don’t have the time to evaluate our professional value and are entangled with “getting the job” and not understanding our own professional value.  During this speaking event, I will be discussing how professional value is important to all aspects of you life and how you can grow your professional value.  Along with steps toward developing your professional value and handouts for getting started toward achieving your professional goals.  10 available seats, for more information email:  jenicearmstead@gmail.com

10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs – Book Excerpt

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The job market has changed; it has changed for the better in many ways. This economy has bounced back from one of the worst economic down falls of this century. The job market is flooded with new job seekers and excellent opportunities for the taking. The need for fresh talent is apparent; the need for new ideas is infectious. New graduates, new job seekers and new ways of understanding this new job market are more concentrated than ever before … these are all apart of the new equations of obtaining employment opportunities for the job seeker.

The federal sector are hiring, let it be clear that the federal sector has created jobs and internships. There are a few things that job seekers must understand about obtaining employment in this federal sector job market. The federal sector is more organized than ever before. The federal sector has gone through a reform of implementing new job hiring practices. The federal sectors new job hiring practices include: the use of extensive interviews, panels of board members, personality tests, demonstration of work knowledge, skills, abilities and job experience.

There are some great ways for job seekers to “stand out” from the competition, but first the job seekers needs to understand what some of the loop holes are when it comes to finding and applying for federal employment in this new job market. Do not be discouraged in this new job market. You are the human capital fabric of the economy.

This new job market requires the creation and use of multiple resumes, live website links to electronic resumes, resume social media sites, job seekers to keep the information up to date at all times, and most of all for the job seekers to have a full understanding of what their “digital finger print” looks like. When I say “digital finger print” I mean, understanding what public information is available for potential employers to search and find on job seekers via the internet. It is good practice to “Google” or look up oneself on the internet to see what information is publicly available for all to view. Just as one would conduct a “Credit Score” clean up, a “digital finger print” is just as important to conduct on a quarterly basis.

Federal government positions are not as difficult to apply for as most believe they are.
Many times there are document requirements, time requirements, and pre-qualifications to read carefully before job seekers can complete the federal government job application. Most federal government job announcements are conducted completely online at www.usajobs.gov. A computer and Internet connection are two initial requirements of the federal hiring process. This may sound like a lot, but in fact once you read this book you will realize that it sounds a lot scarier than it is to complete. The federal sector job hunting experience is all about organization and attention to detail.

You have come to the right place to get your 10 Tips for Applying for Government Job announcements. The federal hiring process is all about due process, time requirements, deadlines and required documents. One of the main keys is to read the entire job announcement applying for. It is a good practice to print the entire job announcement out and use a highlighter to ensure all of the “T’s” are crossed and “I’s” are dotted.

In the government hiring process, entire applications can be completely removed or trashed if the application package is not completed by the candidate, by the deadline. There are not “if, ands or buts,” hiring managers are not legally required to extend deadlines unless there is a viable reason to do so. In most cases, only disabled personnel have this benefit. In this case, the disabled candidate must provide documentation for the disability in receiving an application extension.

These are only a few of the topics that are covered in 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs. This book was created for the job seeker to keep this book on hand to organize, keep track of and provide a greater understanding of the government hiring practice.
This book will start you off in the right direction with giving the job seeker 10 tips for applying for federal government job announcements and positions.

Book Excerpt: 10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs

10TipsForApplyingForGovJobs

Key Training & Education Interview Questions

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Training and education are core elements of the job force in this age. Without training and education work experience will only get you so far. With training, education and experience you will practically be handed more opportunities than you will know what to do with. But, inflating education and training accomplishments on your resume will hurt you in the long run. Be honest and factual with what you have been trained on and what you need training in.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had other than course in grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand together with education and training. With this question you need to elaborate on any certifications you many have as well as any courses online you have taken as well. Online courses are not frowned on as they once were in the past; in fact more companies realize that employees are more loyal the more education they have.

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops have you attended? This is a open-ended question that is targeted toward what your specialty is. If you are human resources professional, they will want to know if you have been to any staffing or employee relations workshops, if you are information technology professional they will want to know if you have been to any fiber optic, customer service or trouble shooting workshops. If you haven’t been to any workshops, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company.

One of the last questions you WILL be asked is: Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? This is a great way for you to “talk yourself up” this means that you have an opportunity to talk as much about you and your skills and how unique you are. This is your time to shine, so do put every single detail on your resume because it won’t give you as much justice as you would do talking about your own self.

Happy Job Hunting

Jenice

Poem: FREE by Jenice Armstead

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Imagine how happy and free I could be if I took me a little less seriously

If I looked at my failures with shrug and smile

And remember all of my successes with pleasure and pride

If I realized that I was great instead of analyzing all of my mistakes

Then sat with my collected thoughts to give a reasonable intake

Imagine how happy and free I could be, if I did everything in my power to just enjoy be me

Being is me is what I know and have come to understand

It is with great measure that I make that immediate demand

Imagine how happy and free I could be if I did everything in my power to be the best me

Success comes and success goes

What you are left with, nobody knows

It is vital that we understand that we are who we are for a reason

Reasons come with many seasons

But, how happy and free we all would be if we were just happy being free

Then, I imagine how happy and free I would be if I did everything in my soul to be the me I

was meant to be

I dedicate my poem, to the memory of Nelson Mandela

Published in April 2012, in “A Natural Hair Journey” Stories and Memories of a Curly Girl” by Jenice Armstead

Two-Cent Tuesday

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What is “Job Classification” you ask? I am glad you did. Job classification & qualifications are the “well oiled engines” that make a human resources department run smoothly. Job classification is how job descriptions are created for organizations employees. Job classification determines employee job responsibilities, duties, pay grade level and other important aspects of employee rights. Many employees are unaware of how job descriptions are created. Simply put, job descriptions are created by using job classifications.

Job classifications are ever changing and developing with the needs of an organization. Job classification is the outline for how and what a job description will state for employee development and promotion. Job or position classification standards include a plethora of information such as determining employee work schedule, Fair Labor Standards Act information, grade/wage promotion ability and exempt or non-exempt position status. In all, job classification is a full time, skilled ability that takes many years to perfect. With economy changes, job classification changes for organizational structure.

For more information on job classification check out the government site: Office of Personnel Management

Jenice

Two Cents

Two Cents

Easy Proofreading

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Proofreading can be dry and mundane, but when you have some simple steps for proofreading it has the tendency to almost be fun.  Truth be told, proofreading is not just for writing, it can be used for anything from note taking to daily sticky notes.  You don’t know how many things have been taken out of context just because I didn’t take the time to do a quick proofread of a note I left for someone.

The first step toward great proof reading is to use a checklist.  A checklist allows for a quick outline of the important things that you want to convey.  It is used much like one would use an “outline” to start writing or developing a plan.  It seems like over doing it, but believe me a checklist is vital for developing great proofreading skills.

The second step is to fact check, too many times people accidentally plagiarize.  This can cause some serious creditably issues.  Make sure to check your work and fact check every thing you write.

The third step toward great proofreading is to spell-check.  There is no reason not to spell-check in this day of advanced technology; there are dictionaries and thesauruses everywhere.  You can easily down load an “app for that” and make sure to use it each time you proofread.

A step that has saved me more than once is the fourth proofreading step, read your writings aloud.  Reading aloud is different than reading something to yourself.  Often, if you read silently you will miss content, context, tenses or similar words such as their, there, and they’re.

That brings us to the fifth step toward great proofreading, focusing on one line at a time.  This one goes along with reading aloud.  While reading aloud you can take the time to focus on one line at a time.  Invest yourself in each line by developing powerful sentence structure.

Attention to formatting is the sixth proofreading step.  Formatting can be difficult, remember to utilize formatting options online for easier understanding of what is best for your writings.

Which brings us to proofreading step seven, which is start all over again and proofread your edits.  If you take the time to embrace each and every step, your proofreading skills will improve.

Happy Proofreading Writing

Jenice

Proofreading

Reference: Proofreading Helpers 

Jenice Armstead Featured in Saint Leo University Newsletter

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Thank you to Saint Leo University for the feature in the “Continuing Education Updates” newsletter.  I have to say, I was super surprised and excited  all at the same time.  Enjoy this quick article about my Saint Leo University experience.

Enjoy,

Jenice Armstead

 

Continuing Education Updates
(Issue #412, September 22, 2013)
Here is another reminder of why we do what we do.

Jenice Armstead ’04 ’06

Military Service: United States Navy (1997 – 2004) Yeoman Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist) – SCWS

Alumni ’04 ’06, Key West, FL Education Center and MBA Online

“Saint Leo University opened up the doors of opportunity for the future. Saint Leo University welcomed a Navy veteran who had no idea who or what she wanted to be. Saint Leo University became my home away from home. The education which I was allowed and afforded to earned, opened and has given a plethora of opportunities. I have grown in my profession of business and human resources management in ways that would have never been possible without the education and experience gained while attending Saint Leo University. I have worked for the federal government and private companies. In my most recent accomplishments I have begun a teaching career with Saint Leo University, become a self-published author and human resources consultant. My life has surely improved and I have been an inspiration to those who want to improve their lives by pursing an education with Saint Leo University. I have been truly blessed with life, liberty and opportunity. I look forward to my professional future, as I know the foundation has been laid for success.”

For more information check out Saint Leo University

 

Using Veteran Educational Benefits

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Online degrees have come a long way from your basic degree, now there are a variety of different options for degree programs with excellent online universities. Now, with technology you can earn your degree in more than one way.

Online degrees are becoming the new way for people to go to school and still work. Going to school online is a great way to “get ahead” in your career and to make yourself more value and stay competitive. Here are some tips for you to start or continue to earn your degree online. There are tons of online schools. Some schools have special “Military scholarships” for active and veteran military personnel.

The Montgomery GI Bill and Post September 9/11 educational programs allow for all military personnel serving during that time also received 9/11 educational benefits. Another excellent educational program for veteran graduate students is the Yellow Ribbon Program. These benefits are transferable to other military dependents from any active duty or veteran military personnel. Many online schools can offer up to 50% military scholarships to all undergraduate degree programs and a 20% military scholarship to all graduate degree programs. There are time stipulations on utilizing your military educational benefits. Make sure to check the termination of time requires before you begin a program.

Many online schools have regional and national accreditations. It is important to know whom your school is accredited through in case you want to transfer or get a job in a different state than the school you are attending.

For more information check out www.va.gov and www.saintleo.edu

Answering Job Interview Questions on Education

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Education comes in all arrays of quality. We all know that education is vital in today’s job market and education is important for many different reasons. The fact is you don’t have to have a degree to be considered educated, but you do have to have proof that you completed the educational program that which you are claiming you acquired the knowledge from.

During interviews selecting officials will want to know: What courses you liked most while attending school? and What courses did you least like? This question is steered toward the selecting official finding out more about you and what types of interests you have. This could be a mode of examining your personality traits or it could mean more. It all depends on what type of job you are interviewing for.

The next question of: Why did you choose your course of study? This question is pretty self explanatory, in the fact that the selecting official wants to know why you choose the course of study that you did. This question is asked with the intentions of understanding the applicant’s passion. Be honest and be short. Don’t give a long answer; the selecting official doesn’t want to know your whole life story. Keep it short and sweet unless they ask additional questions, if more questions are asked in this regard – make is short and sweet.

The selecting official wants to know if you prepared for the interview and what you did to prepare. So they will ask you to discuss your background in terms of how it has prepared you for the job you are applying. This is a question of character and needs to be explained in general detail. For example, if you were applying for a information technician position you would discuss your certifications and repeat your answer of your educational background this would be of great help. Talk about what you desired to be as a young adult and elaborate job history details – even if you have already discussed your job history – repeat yourself. Selecting officials love it when you repeat facts, because it reassures them you are telling the truth.

REMEMBER: BE HONEST. You will be selected over another candidate who wasn’t as truthful. The truth will allow you to shine and become employed faster than not being honest at all.

For more information on answering job interview questions check out my Pep Talk Books