including skill ratings on your resume

including skill ratings on your resume including skill ratings on your resume A reader writesAny thoughts on grading yourself on your strengths in a resume? I saw a resume today that included a list of skills next to a graphical rating system with a 1-5 grade on how the guy perceived himself in each area, which were all subjective things like critical thinking, creativity, drive and determination, etc. Of course, they were all 4-5 star reviews. (Im pretty sure he left off the areas hed only get a 2 in.) Either way, it seems really weird and a waste of space. Maybe Im just failing to see the big picture and how genius this guy is.No, thats weird.It can actually be really helpful to do this with something like your proficiency in software programs. But to do it with utterly subjective traits like creativity and drive? No. It comes across as really naive and silly.In fact, your resume really shouldnt contain subjective self-assessments at all (even if notlage presented as ratings), sinc e most hiring managers will just ignore them because so many peoples self-assessments are unreliable. Instead, if you want to show that youre creative or driven or smart or whatever, you do that by including accomplishments that demonstrate those traits. After all, it doesnt matter how creative or smart you are if you cant show an ability to do something with it. How you use it is what matters.

Work at Home Call Center Jobs in Indiana

Work at Home Call Center Jobs in IndianaWork at Home Call Center Jobs in IndianaIf you live in the Hoosier Stateand you want to find a home-based call center position, begin your search with this list. These companies hire CSRs, abverkauf associate, tech support and others to work from home in Indiana Accolade Support Call Center Services Thisgeschftliches miteinander process outsourcing (BPO)firmhires independent contractors as tech support and customer tafelgeschirr agents. Compensation is on a per-minute basis that is no more than $10 per hour, but there is no minimum rate of pay. Alorica This company employs telecommuting customer service reps in Indiana. They are paid on a per-minute or per-call basis, but because they are employees, minimum wage is guaranteed.West at Home merged to become Alorica. American Express This global financial services company hires home-based contact center agents with experience in reservation systems and travel agent. Bilingual agents have an advantage in the application process. This company hires nationwide. Apple At-Home Advisors Apple At-Home is the remote call center program in the companys AppleCare division. It hires agents and managers to work from home in tech support and customer service, and Apple provides a computer and phone to its home-based employees. ARO Hiring contractors throughout the US, ARO has home-based positions in customer service, sales, and business telemarketing as well as for those with experience in insurance auditing and for LPNs and RNs in medical call centers. For more companies like this, see morework-at-home insurance jobsandsales jobs from home. Asurion(formerly NEW Corp) Device replacement warranty company hires home-based call center agents to provide customer service in both full- and part-time positions. CenturyLink Voice, broadband and video services provider employs home-based call center agents in Indiana. The positions pay around $10-11/hour. Bilingual skills are a plus . Convergys Remote call center agents at Convergys receive incoming calls and provide services such as customer service, sales or technical support. Convergys offers its employees paid training and several benefits. LiveOps This outsourcing company (or BPO) uses independent contractors as remote call center agents who perform customer service work. Agents are paid at a rate that is based on minutes oftalk timeplus sales incentives in some cases. However, there is no minimum wage guaranteed. Agents must become certified to work for individual clients, and this certification is not paid. Agents must pay for their own background check. Support.com This company provides remote tech support to clients using remote tech support chat and phone agents. It also hires in its solutions center supervisors who work from home as they support and supervise these remote services technicians. SYKES Home Powered by Alpine Access Remote employees take inbound calls, which are both customer ser vice and sales calls. They are paid for training. Employees are paid a regular wage of around $9/hour, but applicants who are offered a position must pay $45 for a background check. The hiring process for these call center jobs is zugnglich and by phone. Bilingual skills a plus languages include Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Transcom This global call center outsourcing firm (or BPO) employs home-based customer service and tech support agents in the state of Indiana U-Haul Agents in these work-at-home call center jobs provide customer service, make reservations and provide roadside assistance. Jobs may be seasonal, but they are employment positions. Windy City Call Center The home-based jobs at this Chicago-area company aretelemarketing, but not cold calling or high-pressure sales. Agents must commit to at least 20 hours per week

Best (and Worst) Cities to Find a Job

Best (and Worst) Cities to Find a JobBest (and Worst) Cities to Find a JobTheunemployment ratefor the country as a whole is at record post-recession lows, coming in under 4 percent in recent months. But that doesnt mean that its easy to find a job. Several factors affecthow quickly you can get hiredafter deciding to make a job change (or having it decided for you, in the gestalt of alayoffortermination). Education, experience and occupational outlook all affect your personal job outlook. But dont count out the importance of being in the right geographical place at the right time. Some U.S. cities are better than others when it comes to finding a job. The same is true for U.S. states - some have much better job prospects than others. A report from WalletHub ranked thebest and worst citiesfor getting hired in the coming year. The site looked at more than 180 cities in the U.S., evaluating them according to26 different metrics, including job opportunities, employment growth, and median salary. These are the best and worst cities to find a job right now 5 Best Cities to Find a Job 1.Chandler, AZChandler boasts the highest growth rate amongst cities and a well-educated workforce with nearly 75 percent of adult residents having attended college.40 percent of Chandlers adult residents possess a bachelors or advanced degree. Chandler residents earn among the highest wages in the Greater Phoenix area with an estimated median household income of $75,633. Popular EmployersIntel, PayPal, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Microchip Technology How Much You Can EarnChandler Average Salary 2.Scottsdale, AZGood weather year round makes Scottsdale a popular tourist destination, so its no surprise that Scottsdale boasts a healthy tourism industry, including destination spas and booming nightlife. Popular EmployersThe Vanguard Group,CVS Caremark Corporation,General Dynamics How Much You Can EarnScottsdale Average Salary 3.San Francisco, CAThe epicenter of the tech industry in t he U.S., San Francisco boasts some of the highest paying jobs - and highest cost of living - in the country. Popular EmployersSalesforce.com Inc.,Google Inc.,The Gap Inc.How Much You Can EarnSan Francisco Average Salary 4.Peoria, AZPeoria was tied with Chandler for the highest employment growth amongst cities. The city sees its future growth in advanced business services, manufacturing, bioscience, health care, and scientific and technical services. Popular Employers Peoria Unified School District, City of Peoria, The Antigua Group How Much You Can EarnPeoria Average Salary 5.Plano, TXPlano has headquarters for several major corporations, including Bank of America Home Loans, Frito-Lay, and FedEx Office. About 80 percent of the citys visitors are business travelers. Popular EmployersEricsson Inc.,Capital One Financial Group,PepsiCo Inc. How Much You Can EarnPlano Average Salary 5 Worst Cities to Find a Job 1. Shreveport, LAShreveport received the lowest Job Market rank in the WalletHub analysis and the most recent unemployment rate for the area was 5.2%, well above the national average. The city also placed near the bottom in socio-economic factors including educational level and average income. Popular Employers Benteler, Willis-Knighton Medical Center, U.S Airforce How Much You Can Earn Shreveport Average Salary 2.Detroit, MIThe murl City has had more than its share of economic trouble in the past few decades, thanks to thedecline within the manufacturing sector. Popular EmployersGeneral Motors Corporation,Quicken Loans,Ford Motor CompanyHow Much You Can EarnDetroit Average Salary 3.Newark, NJThe manufacturing decline hit Newark hard in 2016,Forbesreported that the city had lost 10 percent of manufacturing employment since 2010. Popular EmployersPrudential,Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield,New Jersey Institute of Technology How Much You Can EarnNewark Average Salary 4. Columbus, GeorgiaUnemployment in Columbus still averaged about 4.4%, well above the national rate. Household income significantly lagged national averages. Popular Employers Total Systems Services, AFLAC, U.S Army How Much You Can Earn Columbus Average Salary 5. New Orleans, LAUnemployment in New Orleans is higher than the national average and WalletHub designated it as having the second lowest employment growth.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics average weekly wages amounted to only $933. Popular Employers Entergy Corporation, Ochsner Medical Center,Tulane University How Much You Can Earn New Orleans Average Salary Consider Your Industry When Making a Move The best cities for all jobs arent necessarily the best cities for your specific occupation. If youre contemplating a move to seek better opportunities, it pays to understand the market in your field. Its clear that opportunity is available in major cities across the country, says Sam Radbil, Sr. Communications Manager atABODO. Whether youre a Millennial looking for your first job after college, or a Baby Boomer starting a new career, its important to know where to look for the fastest growing jobs in your industry and in your city. From social services to health care, jobs are available if youre looking in the right places. And if youre simply a person looking for a fresh start in a new city, this information could be extremely helpful in your search for your next home. Radbil says that ABODOs data show that workers in the public relationsand communications sector would do well to focus their searches in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., or Seattle. Those outside the PR industry might want to consider them as well, since many crop up on other lists of great places to find work. Of course, these cities also top lists of most expensive places to live.Cost-of-living, as well as opportunity, has to factor into any workers choice of where to move next. Bottom linelook for an opportunity for your industry, and weigh that against cost-of-living in each location , to make the best choice for your next move.

10 Things You Learn in School That Can Help You Find a Job

10 Things You Learn in School That Can Help You Find a Job10 Things You Learn in School That Can Help You Find a JobCollege students probably dont realize it at the time, but the training they receive in college goes far beyond what they learn in the classroom, or within their major of study. Interacting with professors, parteicipating in a class project, and joining on-campus organizations are just a few of the learning opportunities gained in college that transfer to the workplace and can help you find a job. How so?Interacting with a professor can be like talking with your boss or reporting to a company leader. Participating in a group project is equal to working on a team project, and joining an on-campus organization is like joining an industry trade association or networking group.Theres more, too.Steven Patchin, director of career services at Michigan Technological University, and Melissa Wagner, career services advisor at Rasmussen College, helped provide this list of things you learn in school that can actually help you find a job.Here are 10 skills and lessons you learn as a student that can help you finda job (and succeed in the workplace)1. How to Respond to FailureIt could be a failed project, test, a course, or an unsuccessful interview for a job/internship. How you respond, analyze what occurred, learn, improve, and move forward is a crucial skill at every level of ones career, says Patchin. Successfully moving forward after failure shows resilience- a skill every employee needs and every employer covets.2. How to Utilize Available ResourcesRemember when you were a college freshman and you needed to find out where the library was, how to work with your resident advisor, how to understand the role of a teachers assistant, the best way to approach a professor (after class, during office hours, via email), or when to reach out to academic advisors or the college career services center?Its the same when one starts a new job.It can be as simple as fin ding out where the bathroom and break rooms are,figuring out whoto contact for IT support, or who you can rely on for help within your team.Figuring things out as you go is a skill you learn in school that can easily be applied to your professional life.3. How to Step Outside Your Comfort ZoneAs astudent, you may reluctantly join a campus club, attend a networking event, or even go to a party where you dont know too many people. But once you step out of your comfort zone and do it, theres a good chance the experience will expandyour network and social confidence.College students also take electives on subjects completely new to them (a computer science major may explore an entry-level French class, for example). College students may live with a roommate they never knew before, or in a dorm with people theyve never met before.Similarly, a person new to a job is joining a group of people who theyhave never met before, and must now perfasson with them to succeed. Join a club made up of people you dont know, volunteer to take on a leadership role in an organization, or take a course elective on a subject you know nothing about, says Patchin. True personal and professional growth begins where your comfort zone ends. Companies look for those with this courage.4. Networking SkillsMost students come to a residential college leaving their support network- family, high school friends, church members, teammates- behind. They need to rebuild their support system with a new network of friends, professors, TAs,and community members.Recruiters look for candidates who can easily relocate and successfully establish these networks, says Patchin.5. Communication SkillsCollege students are constantly learning how to write professionally and cite sources, says Wagner. College students write emails to professors, carefully crafting them like they will do to managers, clients, customers, prospects, and coworkers. They participate in class discussions- like team meetings in the workp lace. They participate in group projects, and are held responsible for their role/actions.The same applies in the workplace. Students engage in debate and discussion, both written and verbal, and complete project work together, mirroring what will be required from them in the workforce later, says Wagner.Patchin agrees, saying The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form develops throughout a students whole collegiate experience.6. Critical Thinking SkillsThroughout their college career, students are continuously immersed in project work and discussions, asked to write papers, and/or live classroom scenarios where they must analyze, use logic, and critical thinking skills to find a solution. Employers look for employees who can use logic, with analytical skills, and who can critically think through problems to get results.Being able to identify and think logically through a problem objectively is one of the more important skills a student must learn to be successful in school as well as in their career, says Wagner.7. Ethics and ResponsibilityWith exposure to course and institution rules, such as attendance policies or conduct policies on behavior and plagiarism, college students learn to understand and apply ethical and professional principles of conduct.A persons character and ethical behavior can follow them and it is something that is very important to an employer as the employee is a reflection/extension of the company, says Wagner.8. Interacting with Diverse BackgroundsMost colleges and universities are filled with students from different countries, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and cultures. Working in group projects, being in campus organizations, being a part of campus life, with others who are similar, but different, is a great learning experience that applies to being part of a diverse workforce.Todays workforce is diverse, and employers want employees who fit in within a company culture just as much as they wanta person with the right skills. At some point in college, someone will be on a team with a personwho also has different opinions and beliefs. Experience handling these situations is crucial for success in the workplace.Being exposed to diverse opinions and working non-combatively in a team environment, empathizing and considering all angles, will make students a well-rounded job seeker later on, says Wagner.9. Information LiteracyThe ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information in the proper context and situation is very critical in a world where information is easily accessible and moves very quickly. This is the essential part of being a successful student as it is the heart of how they ultimately showcase their understanding of key concepts and material, through papers, discussions, or presentations, says Wagner. In the workplace, information and knowledge is used for reports, presentations, white papers, sales collateral, marketing material, and more.10. Digital FluencyB y engaging in online classes and platforms, being exposed to different software and use of various course materials (video, ebooks, virtual labs, and more) college students today are well trained in the digital world.Todays employers look for employees who know how to navigate and utilize technology, and how to use it appropriately in context of the situation. Every college student learns, uses, and applies technology- every workplace requires the ability to use a wide variety of technological resources. Digital fluency is a must.If you think youve picked up these hard and soft skills in school, do your best to highlight them on your resume when you begin applying for jobs. Companies look for all these things in job candidates- and whether you realize it or not, you probably possess them all. And they can all help you find a job.Start Your Job Search

6 way to make the red-eye flight tolerable

6 way to make the red-eye flight tolerable6 way to make the red-eye flight tolerableWhat kind of flights leave between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.? The budget-friendly kind, of course. If youre rocking the red-eye, you may be worried about having a bummer of a time on that plane. But it doesnt have to be tortuous. Heres how to make a red-eye flight tolerable - because, at the risk of sounding harsh, its never going to be a sleeping-on-clouds experience.1. Wear comfy clothesDont wear jeans on the red-eye. Trust us on this one. You want something stretchy, something that wont bite into your beltline if you want to sit in some sort of conglomeration of yoga poses to get cozy in your seat.Sure, the flight happens at bedtime, but that doesnt mean you should wear your pajamas to the airport. Athleisure is your answer, so you can look chic and be comfy without looking like you literally rolled out of bed.2. Bring thermisch accessoriesIt may be breezy tropical beach weather where youre headed, but on the plane, its going to get icy. Frigid plane temps are notorious and not all long-haul flights give you a blanket anymore. Wed suggest bringing a nice thick pair of socks (yes, even if youre heading somewhere that only requires sandals) because when your feet are warm, the rest of you stays warm.Also, bring a scarf. It makes a great blanket or pillow substitute if you dont wear it as a wrap for some extra heat.3. Pack some melatoninHormone supplement melatonin is a sleep aid popular for those who want a little boost to sleep. Its not a knock-out like ZzzQuil, but it sends a signal to your brain that it might be time to wind down and get some snooze time.You dont need more than 5 milligrams (the usual drugstore dose), and you should only take melatonin if you have a flight long enough to hit at least one full sleep cycle. Thats at least a couple of hours solidly in your seat. Otherwise, you might wake up groggy and unhappy that you cant keep sleeping.4. Think critically about alcoh olYou know your body best. Think about your reaction to wine, beer or any liquor you might sip in a plane. Do you get crabby after one pale ale? Do you get sleepy after a glass of pinot? For some people, alcohol can ease their travel anxiety. For some, it nudges them into a deep sleep. But for others, it makes them wake up after a restless catnap with a wine headache and serious anxiety.Try to think about what late-night drinking has done to your body in the past and then add the pressurized atmosphere of an airplane. Youll know whats best for you.5. Download a great podcastIf you want to aufgabe asleep, dont turn on the in-flight entertainment on the seatback. That blue light is going to keep you up. Instead, download one of your favorite podcasts before boarding. Start with Serial if youre a newbie to the pod-world, while long-time podcast geeks will like Reply All and Anna Faris Is Unqualified.You can listen to an episode or two without getting the wake-up effect of the screen. A nd then, when youre ready to sleep, turn on an episode of Sleep With Me, where the podcast host deliberately uses his fruchtwein monotone voice to drone on about assorted randomness until you fall asleep. Its rarely failed us.6. Bring a breakfast snackYou might not get a meal on a red-eye flight if youre not flying between continents. You might not even get pretzels, depending on your airline. But our favorite food plan for a red-eye is to bring a late-night snack and breakfast onto the plane with us.Packing a breakfast food will help remind your body what time it is after being jolted off your normal internal clock that signals waking time and sleeping time in the comfort of your own bed. Eating breakfast before disembarking sets you up well for the day (because we all know its the most important meal).Thispostwas originally published onSwirled.comin the Thrive section, which covers valuable career and personal finance content for Millennials.

A Fair Perspective on Resumes Job Descriptions

A Fair Perspective on Resumes Job Descriptions Whispered Resumes Job Descriptions Secrets A superior first step is to search some of the bigger job boards for positions very similar to the one which you are attempting to fill. When youve posted your job description on a networking site, the next thing to do is to acquire prepared for the interview There are several advantages of employing the work description templates. You would find it possible to find some special job description by making use of the templates. The employee job description template requires the whole descriptive guidelines which will help you produce the correct description for finding an employee for your workplace. The Government job description template is among the most descriptive template formats, and you might use exactly the saatkorn format to compose aleidher job in the very same style. Mainly there are two fundamental uses of a job particularly. In the event the excellent stuff is buried at the co nclusion of a work description, or buried amongst an excessive amount of info and difficult to recognize, candidates shed interest. In fact the job description is utilized in various conditions and there are lots of conditions in which you would need to supply the work description. After that, consider if its a spot you really need to work before you place time into applying. Use the search box to find just what you are seeking. Whoever does the searches might or might not use just the exact terms as the man or woman who wrote the work description. If you arent certain how to produce the best job description simple refer to a template to learn. Simply take the qualifications to heart and steer clear of jobs which you arent qualified for. Begin by utilizing the listed major field of responsibility and add the details essential to earn job expectations and products clear in each important subject of responsibility. So regardless of whether you opt to work at home or to go to your job, below are some strategies for looking for and applying for the best jobs for your mental wellness. Life, Death and Resumes Job Descriptions No, any positions which were already approved do not will need to get submitted again. Job descriptions are an excellent method to acquire candidates excited about your job openings and showcase your company culture. When youre interviewing candidates for a position, its vital to be sure you get a crystal clear description of the essential qualifications and duties necessary to do the work properly. In fact its an essential portion of hiring process because it describes the duties and obligations of a specific position to job seekers so that they may apply for only appropriate jobs. A work description is just the description of a work role for the prospective candidates of a business, who will handle that distinct job. It is how you would define a job. It is mainly required during the recruitment process. Your job descriptions are where you get started promoting your business and your job to your upcoming hire. Managers might not have employed one before and a growing number of people wish to be one. Job description is truly a much important criteria to get the best candidates for the job. Job descriptions are frequently the very first step for candidates. The Job Description may be used for assorted professional purposes.

Ethically Letting Go of an Employee - Spark Hire

Ethically Letting Go of an Employee - Spark HireLetting go of an employeeis never an easy task, but it becomes necessary in order to keep a business running smoothly. If it becomes apparent that its time to part ways with an employee, here are some steps you can take to make the process as smooth and as fair as possibleIssue a warningIts important to first give the individual a perspektive to improve their behavior. Sit them down and explain why youre unhappy and how they can improve. Also set a deadline about when you need to see improvement. For example, you must see changes within 30 or 60 days. Being upfront prevents any confusion or miscommunication, and gives the person a chance to change their ways before youre forced to take action.Document warnings and past incidentsTo prevent an issue in the future, make it a point to document warnings, problems, and conversations youve had with the employee in question. This record illustrates that youve given the person chances to improve , and shows that youre terminating them for cause.Get specificIt can be uncomfortable when youre forced to talk with someone about how theyre underperforming. But dont let the nature of the conversation prevent you from getting specific. Instead of saying, You need to do better, offer examples. What can they do to perform better? What steps can they take? What measurable goals do they need to be hitting? When an individual has a clear sense of exactly how and why they need to change, it makes it easier for them to adjust their performance in the office.When its time to act, keep emotion out of the processWhen it becomes clear that you must terminate the employee, keep it short and sweet, and avoid emotion. Dont go into a long and in depth explanation. Instead, explain when the person will be expected to leave the office, titel any severance that they will receive, and dont debate with them if they get defensive.While firing an employee is never a pleasant task, doing so in a careful and respectful manner helps to make the process more manageable for everyone involved.Image Wavebreak Media Ltd/BigStock.com

Infantry Scouts ExperiencesA Firsthand Account

Infantry Scouts ExperiencesA Firsthand AccountInfantry Scouts Experiences- A Firsthand AccountWhen theyre on the front lines with the U.S. infantry, its often been said that there are two kinds of people- the quick and the dead. But its a different story for infantry scouts. Theyre the ones the enemy aims for, according to Spc. Serrano Brooks, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 2-9, scout. If they take us out, then we cant relay their location or tell our headquarters how many soldiers they have, Brooks said. What Do Scouts Do? Infantry scouts have the thrilling and often very dangerous task of getting eyes on the enemy. We leave before the rest of the unit to go out and find the enemy, Brooks said. We should never be seen by the enemy and we dont engage the enemy in direct contact. For Brooks and his team, the mission puts a lot of pressure onthem. Its a big weight on our shoulders, said Pfc. Daniel Warner. An entire team, squad, platoon, company, or battalion cou ld be affected by the decisions you make. The SALUTE Technique The scouts use a technique thats memorized as SALUTE to inform headquarters of what they see. SALUTE stands for Size The number of troops and the approximate size and type of each unitActivity The observed activity of the enemyLocation The position of the enemy using map grid referencesUnit Identity of enemy unit or description of markings, uniforms, equipmentTime The date/time/group of the sightingEquipment The number and description of weapons or equipment According to Brooks, The SALUTE report is a guideline so we can give an exact report on enemy activity. What Equipment Is Involved? For the most part, scouts carry the same equipment as non-scout soldiers. We take the normal stuff that a line soldier would take, Brooks said. The only difference is that when we go out, the only contact well have with headquarters is on the radio. Other than that, were on our own, so its important to ensure that we have all of our equipment. In other words, there wont be any opportunity to collect forgotten items later. It doesnt matter to the scouts what the weather is like. The mission still has to be completed. Rain, sleet, snow, or a clear night, we have to do our job, so the rest of the unit can do theirs, Brooks said. Whats the Best Part? Brooks said the best part of being a scout is the camaraderie that builds with the other members of the team. We spend a lot of time together, so we get to know all about each other, he said. And thats important because you want to know the guy next to you is someone you can trust. And after spending enough time with them, I know they have my back, and they know I have theirs. When he was asked about the most important thing to remember while out on patrol, Brooks had an immediate response. Dont be seen, he said. Reprinted with permission from the Army News Service and the cooperation of Spc. Chris Stephens

Dragon Bridge Breathes Fire into Economy

Dragon Bridge Breathes Fire into Economy Dragon Bridge Breathes Fire into Economy Long-span bridges, especially signature crossings like Californias Golden Gate Bridge or its new cousin, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, are noted for their architectural grace and engineering prowess. In Vietnam, there now is a bridge that can be celebrated for what its designers call a unique interpretation of a single-arched bridge that doubles as pergestaltance art.Da Nangs 666-m-long Dragon Bridge is just that A design of hybrid steel box girders supported by undulating central rib steel and concrete arches modeled after a dragon hovering over the Han River. The dragon is formed by decorative steel plates attached to the arches that represent scales and a head on the eastern side that breathes fire and water.It is certainly an unconventional arch structure, says Radu Dragan, senior associate for Ammann Whitney, the New York City-based firm that won the design contract. In terms of design, it satisfies the visual impact requirements. Structurally, its not the best approach.Steel tubes for the central arch are held in place by spider frames.ArchesThe design team worked through the challenge, arriving at arches formed of 4-foot-diameter steel tubes unconnected to each other and held in place with horseshoe-shaped steel spider frames. Steel suspender cables connect the arch with the deck at 8-meter intervals. Below the deck, the arch structure becomes reinforced concrete and is integrated into the piers.The deck is wide, stretching across 35 meters to accommodate three lanes of traffic in each direction and pedestrian walkways.The center three spans are hybrid steel box girders supported by the arch. For the suspended portions, the deck superstructure is a box girder of a triple-cell steel box prestressed twin-cell boxes are used for the sections over the piers. Further, 10.5-meter cantilevers extend from the box girders to bring the superstructures width to 35 meters. It extends another meter to meter and a half to accommodate the walkways.Typically in bridges of such width, the deck is supported by arches on the outside of each deck, says Chris Gagnon, AW senior vice president. During the design competition, the designers offered up the single-arch option in addition to a cable-stay design and the ownerthe Da Nang city governmentopted for the dragon.The arch was really different from everything else, notes Dragan. And we were able to land the bridge directly at street level. That was very important to them.Steel cables connect the arch to the bridge deck and ornamental metal makes the dragons scales.OptionsThe Dragon Bridge, which opened in April of this year, is Da Nangs fifth crossing of the Han River and is expected to provide quicker and easier access to the seacoast, boosting local tourism. Gagnon points out that a typical cable-stayed bridge, which many cities around the world are using for signature bridge projects, requires abutments and el evated ramps to accommodate its height. The arch design allows the bridge to transition at street level in the heart of the city at its historic Cham Museum Square.While they investigated the site, Gagnon says the team realized that river traffic did not require a high clearance. Most boats using the river are local sampans or other vessels with low clearance. That realization sparked the option for the arch bridge, which has a 12-meter clearance over the main shipping channel and preserves scenic views of the square.But the main channel had to be moved to the eastern side of the crossing because the at-grade approach to the city center resulted in limited vertical clearance. The westernmost span is a variable depth cast-in-place prestressed concrete structure integral with the first pier. Competent rock on which to found the piers was found about 43 meters below the waterline so the piers are fitted within a partially left-in-place cofferdam to provide a permanent fixture below the river bottom and prevent scouring of drilled shafts.AW used 3D models and both proprietary and off-the-shelf software to review the design, which meets both local and international codes. The deck is a hybrid, with a concrete deck and below, steel box girders, says Dragan. It is a complex structure, but not unique or unusual.Fire belches from the head of the Dragon Bridge.UniqueDesigners believe its uniqueness rests with the five steel tubes that form the arch. There are no interlocking members, points out Dragan. It is certainly unusual and an innovative approach, especially having to connect the spider frame and the steel tubes.For the connection to work, the design team decided to use a layer of neoprene usually associated with material used in expansion joints and bearings, says Dragan. It allows for movement and can be easily replaced during the course of the structures 100-year design life, he adds.Construction was done by two Vietnamese contractors, one for the substructure and the other the superstructure. The steel spider frames and tubes were fabricated in China and erected by crane with supporting falsework.FireSince its opening, the bridge has become a tourist attraction in its own right, says Dragan. Its arches are illuminated with LED lighting after dark and every weekend, the dragons heads spews fire and water. That system was developed and installed by local engineers.Gagnon says the original design called for a two-headed dragon but the owner opted for one head, facing east. With a final cost of $86 million, he says, Its a low cost compared to its complexity. For Further DiscussionThe arch has no interlocking members. It is an unusual and innovative approach.Radu Dragon, Design Engineer, Ammann & Whitney

How to Become the Candidate Recruiters Cant Resist

How to Become the Candidate Recruiters Cant ResistHow to Become the Candidate Recruiters Cant Resist Recruiters are constantly searching for amazing candidates to fill the millions of open jobs in the U.S. And the search can be hard After all, reading thousands of resumes and talking to potential candidates about a particular role can be time-consuming. So why not make it easier for recruiters to find and hire you?How do you do that, you ask? By being the most informed candidate possible.Sure, skills and experience matter, but according to HR insiders, a candidate who is knowledgeable about the company and is highly engaged is a must-hire.Your goal as a job seeker should be to stand out from the crowd for all of the right reasons, and at all of the pivotal moments, from application to negotiation and, ultimately, on the job.One employer said, An informed candidate is someone that knows about the company - thats done research and that has read the job description, w hounderstands the opening so that when youre contacting them, theyre essentially meeting you half way. It also shows me that that person is motivated because they are doing the work they need to do.With a depth of information that job seekers cant find anywhere else, Glassdoor is the only place where employers can source truly informed candidates. Job seekers who use Glassdoor fully - from job listings and company reviews to salary reports, interview questions , and even photos - are mora engaged, knowledgeableand have the right expectations of an employer. Recruiters know this, and were here to reveal the steps you need to take to become the informed and irresistible candidate of their dreams.1. Learn The Ins & Outs of the CompanyHere at Glassdoor, we believe that shotgunning an application to a company that you sorta know about through friends or reputation is no way to job search . Do your homework by reading recent news articles about the company, check out their Twi tter page to get a sense of what they stand for , click around on Google to read about executives who work there, and be sure to look for any red flags like recent lay-offs, public scandals, or public uncertainty. Do this to get a holistic view of the companies youre interested in. Dont cross any company off your list just yet, because one red flag or corporate mistakedoes notnecessarily point to poor company culture.Once you have looked at the companies youre interested in from a 100-footlevel, dig in for a closer look. Head to the companys Glassdoor profile to investigate things like their company rating (3.3 is the average on Glassdoor), reviews about the CEO , insights and feedback from current and former employees , and be sure toscroll through the photos, videos and mission statements. Click on the salaries tab to dive deeper into thecompensation specifics. After all, money matters .Glassdoor has salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, and hourly pay based upon employee report s and estimates.Next to theSalaries tab, youll spot all of the available jobs at that company. Dive in, not just to the jobs youre interested in, but also to see what else and where else the company is hiring. In some cases, youll notice estimated salary ranges in job listings to help people instantly know what they could be paid before applying to a job. This way, if a companyis majorly misaligned with your expectations, you can rethink whether or not theyre worth applying to after all.Now that you have done your homework, youve likely narrowed down the list of companies that interest you. Go a level further by diving into the company mission and culture - once you get a sense of these, youll be able to strategically narrow down your list in order to apply more thoughtfully. From here, youll be able to dig into what you should highlight fromyour work historyin order to show that youre a perfect fit for this company - customizing your resume to the job and the company is key.4. Prepare for the Interview Before You Get ItSearch interview questions and get insights into the exact questions recruiters and hiring managers at your ideal company will ask. You can often browse dozens of interview questions that are asked of candidates applying to the specific role that you are. Preparing in advance and over time will prevent last-minute cramming and get your mind churning about the specific anecdotes and examples of excellence you want to share. Plus, learning about the interview experiences of others offers additional insight into what the company is really like.5. Continue to Learn Throughout the Recruiting ProcessAs you progress through the interview and recruiting process, continue to fact check the information youre being told by hiring managers and recruiters with the reviews of employees on Glassdoor. This will inform the questions you ask and allows you to dig even deeper into the company culture as well as to the dynamics of the specific team you will join.Its important to understand that negotiating your salary is a perfectly modell part of the employment process, and recruiters expect it According to studies by Glassdoor , men are more likely to negotiate salary than women. But studies show this negotiation gap disappears when information about other job applicants negotiation experience is public information. Therefore, knowledge is power.Before heading to the negotiation table, make sure you7. Ask As Many Questions As Necessary93% of job seekers today want to be informed about all aspects of a company prior to accepting a job offer, according to a Glassdoor site survey, so dont think youre nagging the recruiter. Its their job to answer your questions and help you make the best decision. After all, they want to hire the candidate best suited for the job to improve retention and the company ranks.Cant think of any more questions? Read these first8. Say Yes If the Job & Company Are Right For YouFeeling 100-percent sure? Go for it Say yes and start living the life youve always wanted with a job that you love. And remember, just like you benefitted from all of the reviews, insights, and feedback from millions of people on Glassdoor, be sure to return the favor. Leave a review on Glassdoor about your experience .Now that youve got the tools to become a candidate that recruiters cannot resist, get out there and find a job that fits your life Dont forget, were here to help every step of the way.