From Teacher to Web Developer

From Teacher to Web Developer Success Story > From: Job To: Job From Teacher to Web Developer “Work had become monotonous.” * From Teacher to Web Developer Bryn Williams knew he needed a change. Though he'd identifieda potential new path, it didn't make the worry over his finances or work prospects any easier. Here's how he found the support he needed to weather the transition and see his efforts pay off. What work were you doing previously? I worked as an in-company English teacher in various locations around Spain. What are you doing now? For the last year, I've been working as a junior web developer for a Catalan ticketing company. Why did you change? Working as an English teacher was initially a short-term plan that I took on as a means to combine work and travel. After having settled in Spain, I explored other options that had better long-term prospects in regards to career development. When was the moment you decided to make the change? I'd reached the point where work had become monotonous. I couldn't see many new opportunities opening up where I was, so I started to look at other options. After extensive research in the web development field and completing various online courses, I signed up to a web development bootcamp in Barcelona. Are you happy with the change? In general, yes. It hasn't been an easy path at all; however, it has been very rewarding to see my efforts paying off. What do you miss and what don't you miss? The best things about teaching for me were the long holidays and finishing my working day earlier than the majority of office jobs. However, I don't miss the planning and administrative duties that go into teaching. How did you go about making the shift? I was teaching in an I.T. company, so when I started to think about a career change, I arranged a few meetings with the directors of the company to see if my goal was realistic and attainable. After speaking with them, I used my spare time to complete basic online programming courses before signing up to a full-time, six-month web development course at Ubiqum Code Academy. How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible? I knew I wouldn't have an income for at least eight months whilst doing the course, so I just had to manage my money carefully and use savings. What was the most difficult thing about changing? During the course, the fear of not getting a job after a significant investment of time and money was worrying. The first six to nine months of working were very difficult, too. The vast majority of junior web developers start their careers in their early 20s; being older, I felt there were greater expectations around my ability to carry out my responsibilities. Thankfully, I was placed in a very understanding and supportive team that helped me through the initial transition. What help did you get? The code academy I signed up for was very supportive throughout the entire course. Not only was the academic content and methodology exceptional, but also the career placement team was second to none. What resources would you recommend to others? If you have an idea for a specific job in mind, I would strongly recommend spending your free time learning the basics of the profession and speaking to anyone in that field. I think it's very easy to believe the grass is greener, so do your research, spend time acquiring relevant information and then make the change if it still feels right. What have you learnt in the process? Despite what I previously thought, a degree isn't always necessary to start a new career. Hard work, research and realism can be enough. What do you wish you'd done differently? Apart from starting sooner, there isn't much that could have been done differently. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? If you aren't happy with what you are currently doing, explore other options and make a change. If things don't work out, you can always return to your previous profession knowing that you gave it a shot whilst you continue to look at other possibilities. Thank you to Ubiqum, the code academy, for this story.For more information, visit www.ubiqum.com. What lessons could you take from Bryn's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 12 Call Center Interview Questions and Answers Examples - Career Sidekick

Top 12 Call Center Interview Questions and Answers Examples - Career Sidekick Top 12 Call Center Interview Questions and Answers Examples Interview Questions and Answers / https://www.edenscott.com/blog If youre interviewing for call center jobs, this article will help you get hired.Along with the common interview questions all employers ask, there are some call center interview questions that youre likely to hear specifically for that type of job.So well look at 12 sample questions broken down into 5 different types and how to answer them.5 Types of Call Center Job Interview Questions to Be Ready For1. Questions about your customer service experienceOne type of question youll certainly hear for call center jobs is questions about your customer service skills.This might include behavioral questions like, Tell me a time you had to deal with a difficult customer?And youll also hear direct, fact-based questions like, How many years of customer service experience do you have? or, Have you worked in a call center before?Now, depending on the job, you might not need any prior call center or customer service experience.Plenty of call centers interview entr y level people.So dont panic if they ask this and you dont have any direct experience.Just be upfront, tell them you dont have the exact thing theyve asked about, and then try to explain why youll still succeed in this job and learn this job quickly.2. Questions about your ability to work in a fast-paced environmentThis is the next type of call center interview question youre likely to hear.Again, this might include behavioral questions. For example, Tell me about a time you were working under a difficult deadline.They might also ask questions like, What kind of work environments do you prefer?Since youre interviewing for a call center job, which is usually a fast-paced job where they want speed, its best to tell them you enjoy that type of environment and do your best work in that environment.If you want to get the job offer, you cant give them concerns that itll be too fast and hectic for you to handle.To recap, be ready to show you enjoy and thrive in fast-paced environment. And if youve worked in this environment before, prepare a couple examples of how you succeeded, challenges you overcome, why you enjoy it, etc.3. Questions about your industry knowledgeYou might also hear questions in your call center interview about their particular industry.For example, they could ask, Have you helped customers in the mobile phone market before?Or, Have you ever worked in the business software industry?If they ask this, they want to make sure youll be able to succeed in learning their materials and being able to help customers quickly.They want to know that you can understand their audience, technologies and products.This is one of the top things any employer wants:They want to hire people who can get up to speed quickly and start contributing results!So if you have prior experience in their industry, tell them. If not, say no, and then explain why you think youll be able to learn the industry quickly in spite of this, and what steps youll take to make sure this happe ns (studying at home, etc.)Or if you have been working in another industry, explain how you learned that industry in the past. If you successfully learned a different industry, it can help you prove that youll be able to quickly learn theirs too.4. Questions about mental toughnessBeing in a call center can be difficult and mentally draining.Youll have bad days.Youll have days where you do everything right and a customer still gets angry and yells at you.So expect a few interview questions designed to make sure you can handle it mentally.For example, they might ask you about a time you failed.They might ask how you deal with failure or rejection.Be ready to show that youre capable of handling the ups and downs and that you can bounce back mentally if something doesnt go your way.5. Questions about WHY you want to work in a call centerHiring managers for any call center job will want to make sure this is actually what you want to be doing.They dont want to hire someone whos going to q uit or change their mind after being trained for a month or two.So theyll likely ask, Why do you want this job?They might also ask, Which other companies are you interviewing with?If they ask this, theyre looking to see that youre applying for other jobs of this type, or other similar jobs (customer service, etc.).You dont want to tell them youre looking at 10 HR jobs and just one call center job.Thats going to be a big red flag and will make them worry that you dont really want a call center job.One more question they might ask on this same general topic: How did you hear about this role?So be ready for that, too.Practice Before Your Interview!Weve covered a lot here.As a final step, make sure to go practice.All of these topics are very important to hiring managers, so dont  talk to an HR person or hiring manager without practicing these call center interview questions.Youre likely to hear most or all of these  questions in a phone interview, or early in the face-to-face interview process, so be ready.Call Center Interview Questions Quick ReviewBe prepared for interview questions about prior customer service/call center experienceBe prepared for questions about your ability to work in a fast-paced environmentIf you do not have prior experience in a call center or other similar customer service environment, be prepared to explain how you will succeedExpect interview questions about your knowledge of their industry; they will want to know how much training youll need and how quickly youll get up to speedBe prepared for questions about mental toughness and past failures, since call center jobs can be tough mentallyBe ready to explain exactly why you want to work in a call center; theyre going to ask why you applied for the positionBe prepared for fact-based questions (how many years have you done ___) AND behavioral interview questions (tell me about a time you ___) for each of the topics above

What to do if youre an international student staying in Manchester over Christmas University of Manchester Careers Blog

What to do if youre an international student staying in Manchester over Christmas University of Manchester Careers Blog Written by Kareem Belfon, Marketing and Communications Assistant at the Careers Service Campus might seem slightly quieter over the winter break, as many students return home for Christmas. However, theres still plenty of things you can be getting involved with in Manchester during the festive season.   If youre sticking around over the holidays, the most important things to remember are: Theres no chance of ever getting bored in Manchester over Christmas time. There are lots of other students who will be staying here, too. Get to know them! You can use this time to help build your skills and plan your future. Explore Manchester during Christmas time: Manchester never sleeps especially over Christmas. Whether you want an amazing night out or to soak up some culture, youll never find yourself bored if youre staying over Christmas. Catch a show, go to one of the many Christmas markets, go ice-skating and loads more. Blog: Things to do over the Christmas break in Manchester   Get involved with the International Society  events: The International Society have lots of different activities and trips taking place over the Christmas period â€" including shopping trips, cinema club, and a Christmas and New Year get together on the 28th December. To find out how to get involved check out their website. Get a part-time job: Christmas is the perfect time to find some part time work. Many places, especially in hospitality and retail, will be looking for some extra help over the busy Christmas period. Head over to CareersLink to find part-time jobs, or go old school and print off some CVs and give them out around town. You’ll need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK part-time, so apply for one if you haven’t already. We’ve got a National Insurance Number guide to help you out. Volunteer over the winter period: Christmas is the time of giving â€" so while you’re in Manchester over Christmas you could think about doing some volunteering. Support those who may be in need by giving up some of your time over the winter break. Visiting the UoM Volunteering page would be a good place to start. Alternatively, you can check Do-it or Manchester Community Central to find volunteering opportunities. Use the winter break to plan your future: If you have a spare afternoon, why not dedicate it to making a careers plan for 2019? Identify your strengths and find out what you can be doing to secure yourself a bright future. Are you going to try and get some more work experience? Thinking about applying for placement or internship? Jot it down and plan out the next few months. If you need a hand, weve given you six things you can do today could set you on the road to career success.   Do you know your UK Christmas traditions? Why is everyone talking about a John Lewis advert? Why is it called Boxing Day?  Learn all about the UKs Christmas traditions to make sure youre fully in the know. The Ali G may be nice and empty, but its important to step away from your studies at some point over the holidays and take some time to see what a Manchester Christmas is all about. Youve worked hard this year you deserve a break! So, from all of us at the Careers Service All International international international students

4 Ways to be more energetic at work

4 Ways to be more energetic at work Let’s face it, by the time Friday rolls around work can become a little lack luster. However, with the right enthusiasm and know how we can become more energetic throughout the whole week! Having endless amounts of coffee can only help our energy levels for so long. The best way to remain energetic at work is to follow these 4 tips to becoming more energetic at work. Sleep When it comes to sleep, it’s important to get at least 5 solid hours of sleep every night. The optimum amount of sleep every night is around 7-8 hours, for the average working person. While sleep is important, it’s even more important how you are waking up in the morning. Setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual will help you wake up gradually. This will help you ease into your morning and gradually prepare for the day. While that extra 15 minutes of sleep may seem important, it wont provide you with any extra benefits. If you don’t have any street lights outside your window, it’s a good idea to go to sleep with your blinds half open. This will allow for some sunlight to enter your room in the morning and encourage your body to wake up naturally. Breakfast Whether you believe it or not, breakfast is a very important start to your day. It will help energise and give your body a morning boost. However, try to avoid a large breakfast as having a full plate of food will only make you feel sluggish. Instead opt for something smaller to kick start your metabolism. Even if you grab an apple and some nuts as you walk out the door, it will help kick start your day. Transportation The closer you live to work the better you’ll generally feel. Research has found that commuting to work can contribute to stress levels, exhaustion and days missed from work. The best solution is to move closer to work or find work closer to you! Unfortunately, we don’t always have control over where we work and commute can be unavoidable. Whether you drive or travel by public transport there are things you can do to cut through the tension. If you’re taking public transport, get lost in your favourite book. Another great way to forget about where you are is to meditate and practice mindfulness. What’s great is that you can do this sitting, standing or driving! Work Environment The environment you are working in should be a place where you’re calm and comfortable. Your desk should be an ergonomic space where you can work to the best of your ability. A cluttered desk can lead to stress and disorganisation. Take the time at the start of your day by de-cluttering your desk and planning your day. Your work setup is also an important aspect of how energetic you’ll be throughout the day. Office chairs are a big contributing factor to your energy and how comfortable you are throughout the day. You’ll spend most of you day sitting so it’s imperative that your office chair is right for you and you have good posture. Your feet should sit flat on the floor and your back should be up right. The correct office chair is an investment in your health and wellbeing. Image Source

How to Quit Your Job without Burning Bridges CareerMetis.com

How to Quit Your Job without Burning Bridges â€" CareerMetis.com Getting a job is easy. You’ve got your experience and qualifications behind you, you’re driven, showered, and on your best behavior. Everybody is desperately hoping to be impressed. All you have to do is show up and hope that nobody better just left the room. And even if you do fail â€" unless you fail super, super-spectacularly â€" there’s no damage done. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. See it as networking practice.Leaving a job ain’t so easy.Sure, tipping a cup of coffee over your boss and walking out the door takes less time than filling in yet another identikit application form â€" but that’s not so much ‘leaving your job’ as ‘sabotaging the rest of your career.’ Leaving a job well requires tact, timing, and grace.evalMess it upand you don’t know when it will come back to bite you â€" when you meet again with your scorned ex-colleagues, or your hot-headed reputation precedes you to the next job interview.But did you know that even leaving on apparently good terms can also wind up badly? You may be all smiles and goodbye chocolates, but if your boss feels you’ve betrayed her or you’ve abandoned the team just when they were depending on you, the hurt can cut a lot deeper. Simply put: think before you quit.Wait until the end of that project. Work until your notice is up. Work a bit longer than the minimum, if necessary, to show the new guy the ropes. Make sure your clients or regular customers know what’s going on and who will handle them when you’re gone. This way, you’re going out on a favor â€" and people will notice you went the extra mile.Think about your strategy, too. Your boss should be the first to know, and you should tell her face-to-face, before you send a letter. And about that letter: this isn’t your chance to win a Pulitzer. This is a formality, and it may stay on record. Don’t go to great lengths to explain your departure, or use it as a chance to settle old scores. Be polite and wrap it up in three or four lines. The rest can be discussed face-to-face.Don’t let your game drop on the last few days before you leave. This is your chance to set your reputation in stone. Don’t be remembered as the guy who gave up â€" be remembered as the legend who moved on up.Looking for a game-plan to get out of your job? Work through it step-by-step with this new visual guide to quitting work.eval

5 Things To Do Just Before An Interview - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

5 Things To Do Just Before An Interview The internet is practically teeming with advice for young people and other job candidates heading into interviews. By now, if you’re focused on your career and you’ve ever had to switch positions or companies, you’ve probably read through a dozen or more articles on the subject. While these articles tend to do a fairly good job of teaching some basic strategies, however, few of them prepare you for those last few moments just before your interview begins. It’s during these moments that even a well-prepared candidate can succumb to pressure, which can lead to all kinds of problems. Dealing with pressure and managing jitters can be fairly personal struggles, which is to say you may simply need to go through the interview process a few times to learn what works best for you. But here, rather than focusing on broader interview tips, we have a few suggestions for things you can do at the last moment to make sure you stay calm, prepared, and confident. 1. Drink Some Water Drinking water can be the single most important thing you do in the minutes before being called in to interview. Of course, you don’t want to overdo it such that you feel full or need to use the restroom in the midst of your interview. However, it’s a simple fact that dehydration can alter mood and ability to think, and nerves can more or less exacerbate the problem. A cup or two of water in the final minutes can help to alleviate some of these issues and prime you to handle the task ahead. 2. Do Some Deep Breathing We don’t just mean taking deep breaths, though that certainly won’t hurt. Rather, we’re talking about specific breathing exercises like deep breathing, equal breathing, etc. This is a trick that’s recommended sometimes for gamers and other people engaging with tech for lengthy periods of time, because concentration and mental focus can become issues. It’s said that the right techniques can make your respiratory process more efficient, leading to more relaxation and focus. And this is certainly true heading into an interview as well. 3. Stretch Bodily tension can have a huge effect on how we act, how confidently we present ourselves, and even how well we’re able to focus. It’s for this reason in fact that some experts suggest step-by-step muscle relaxation can even be the key to falling asleep efficiently! But here we’re simply saying that some simple, casual stretching in advance of an interview can work wonders. By loosening up your muscles and making your body feel more at ease you can transfer some of that relaxation to your general attitude and perhaps do away with some nerves. 4. Make A Call Moving past physical preparation, we might also suggest you make a call to a friend or family member before your interview, so long as you’re able to cut the call off with a little time to spare. One of the aforementioned advice pieces on interviewing in general brought up the tip of asking a trusted friend to mock interview you. And while this isn’t exactly the same thing, it’s a somewhat similar idea. Basically, having a talk with another person as opposed to simply staying inside your own head can serve as a sort of conversational warm-up. Just make sure you don’t lose focus! 5. Speak Your Nerves Out Loud This is a smaller tip, and one that not everyone will be drawn to. But if you suffer from nerves, it might just help you to clear your head. By speaking aloud and quite literally saying what you’re nervous about, you can actually make it sound a little less scary. We’ll put it this way: you’re probably more likely to deliver a firm handshake if, five minutes before the interview, you say aloud, “I’m scared I’ll make a weak first impression.” It’s not an exact science, but it’s certainly an idea to consider.

How to Write a Book - A Personal Proven System

How to Write a Book - A Personal Proven SystemTo write a book is not difficult, but how to write a book is what makes a writer unique. I always believed that if you write well enough, then you can get out of writing something. This is why I always read a lot and always understood that reading and writing are two completely different things. So many people ask me how do I write a book so I'll try to explain the key points here.The first thing that you need to remember when writing a book is that the more ideas you have, the better your writing will be. Think about it, once you start writing, your idea about what should be in the book and what you are going to write it as is the foundation of what you have to write.The next part of how to write a book is that you need to first know what you want to write about. You have to figure out what are your specific interests or who are you writing the book for.Once you know the niche that you are writing about, you can narrow down what you are going to write so you will only focus on great things that will interest your target audience. For example, if you are writing a novel about their favorite sport, then you would not only talk about the competition or about the teams but you would also talk about how they met and some other important things that relate to the sport.The last thing you have to remember when writing a book is that the topic that you are writing about has to relate to your readers. If you do not know what your reader is going to think, then you cannot write a book like they want to.For example, if you are writing a book about sports, you should know about the subject and how it will make them happy. If you do not know what their problem is, you may not be able to capture their attention.The last tip is about how to write a book. It is very important to have a plan in mind to make sure that your book is not only written, but it will be a masterpiece.