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  • Jobseekers: be prepared for the tough questions

     

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/VCTStyle

    Landing the perfect job is harder than ever in the current climate, and while getting through to the interview stage is a great sign, it’s still not time to relax.

    We all know that interview jitters can make it difficult to come up with great responses on the spot, so make sure you know what’s coming. The best way to prepare yourself for a difficult interview is to anticipate the questions your interviewers will ask you and have the perfect answers ready in advance.

    Here are a few typical questions and advice on how best to answer them:

    Q. Why do you want to work here?

    Make sure you do a little background research about the company you’re applying to so that you can show you know what you’re getting yourself into. You need to demonstrate not only that you’ll fit in, but also that you understand its core values.

    Q. How does your experience prepare you for this position?

    You’ll need to rack your brains to think of all the ways you’ve demonstrated the skills your interviewers will want to see from you in previous jobs. You need to show that you’re capable of performing the duties that will be required of you, and the best way to do this is by showing that you’ve done them before. Make sure you use the best examples you have in every case.

    Q. What obstacles have you overcome in your previous roles?

    Many interviewers will want you to provide examples of obstacles and dilemmas you have faced in the past and to explain how you have overcome them. Everyone stumbles every once in a while; there’s no point pretending that you’re perfect. What your interviewers want to see is that you can recognise problems when they arise, take steps to solve them, and learn from any mistakes you do make.

    Q. Why did you leave your last position?

    Whether you’ve already left your old place of work or you’re simply looking to move on, your new potential employers will want to know why. Most employers will be looking for candidates who are prepared to stay with the company for at least a little while, and of course if you’ve been fired or let go, it’s important to be honest about it. Don’t hide the truth, but be proactive about assuring your interviewers that you can be with them for the long haul.

    Of course, there are many more questions that your interviewers may ask of you; the best thing you can do is make sure you know your CV inside and out, and be clued up on the position you’re applying for.

  • How to ace that job interview

     

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/LuminaStock

    There are many areas of an interview situation which can lead to candidate nervousness. Prominent amongst them is the knowledge that you are likely to be asked questions by the person (or group) conducting the interview.

    These can be seen as a Paxmanesque interrogation where everything said is doubted and each view is challenged – but it shouldn’t be like that, and for your part doesn’t need to be. Four simple tips to help…

    Avoid leaving questions that shouldn’t need to be asked

    This means ensuring that your application form, or letter, plus any CV, is completed accurately and with all necessary information clearly provided. Even when you have achieved this, be aware that some interviewers still feel the need to check that what is written is correct. This usually reflects their nervousness, or lack of experience or skill in interview situations. Provide brief responses if asked; don’t add crossly: “As I said in my application if you’d bothered to read it…”

    Treat a question as an opportunity to make a positive impression

    Imagine, for a moment, you are sitting your driving test. Many people see it is a chance to fail, while others think it’s an opportunity to show that they can drive safely. It’s the same with interview questions. It’s easy to imagine the interviewer is doubting your skill, knowledge or experience, but you should see it instead as a chance, pleasantly and concisely, to show what you do know and can do.

    Question any questions you are unsure of

    Should a question appear unclear, a poor impression is made (even if it’s not really your fault) if you then answer what you think was asked, only to discover that the intention was completely different. Ask for clarification, but without using a form of words that suggests the person asking it has made an error.

    Simply try: “To make sure I completely understand what you need to know…” then ask your question. This also makes you more part of a conversation, rather than an interrogation.

    Have some questions to ask

    Some people only ask about salary, holidays, benefits and the like – and this doesn’t make a great impression. In fact, the interviewer should cover this, so only ask these towards the end if they haven’t.

    Instead, look for questions that show you have carried out some research about your potential employer and job. These should also be forward-looking, in terms of how your career might develop, training to be offered, as well as about the job itself.

    Four simple ways to help you prepare for, and conduct yourself during, your interview. Not only does this help you make a fine impression, you may also help your (nervous) interviewer through the process – and get them on your side!

  • Five tips for your job search

     

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/scyther5

    Searching for a new job can seem like a daunting task, but there are some smart ways you can improve your hunt and bag that dream career move. Here are five top tips to help turn your job hunt into a smashing success:

    Keep your ear to the ground

    Not all employers will advertise their jobs publicly, looking to fill these vacancies by other means, such as word of mouth, recruiting internally, or headhunting. Being pro-active and sending out letters on-spec, or networking (more about that below) can provide unexpected opportunities.

    Be visible to potential employers

    There are plenty of websites these days that allow you to post your CV online. Think of it as an opportunity to put your details out to thousands of potential employers, giving them the opportunity to come to you.

    Target the right companies

    Do your research, and find the right companies for you. Think about whether you’d like to work for a small or large organisation, and spend time applying for the roles you want the most. Of course, not everyone can be too picky, but it doesn’t hurt to know the history of a company and why you’d like to work there – it shows initiative that will put you ahead of the game at interview stage.

    Network, network, network!

    Networking is essential for meeting people who might be able to help you with career prospects. You can do this in a variety of ways, from going to networking events to just signing up on LinkedIn and adding people to your online pool of acquaintances. Just remember to keep your eyes and ears open, and you might stumble across information that could help you obtain your new job.

    Stay positive

    Rejections can be very disheartening, but it’s important not to let this get you down. Persistence is key, and is one of the main attributes of any successful person, regardless of what they do for a living. Stay in the game, get back on that horse, dust yourself off and keep going!

    And lastly, we wish you the best of luck with your job search.

  • Could I have a pet at university?

    Missing her cats, Jordan ponders the feasibility of owning a pet while at university.
    Missing her cats, Jordan ponders the feasibility of owning a pet while at university.

    I’ve always had cats at home, and they often played the role of revision buddy/lap warmer. That was one of the things I missed most when I first went to university.

    Pets aren’t allowed in student halls, but now that I live in a flat with other vet students, pet ownership becomes a possibility (landlord permitting).

    As a student, I meticulously budget in order to ensure I eat well, am able to enjoy myself and get some travelling in without blowing all of my cash the first week that student loan comes in. But even with this amount of planning, could I find some spare to pay to feed a cat as well as myself? Probably. Could I find the money if something went wrong, if said cat needed lifetime insulin or thyroxine treatment or broke a limb in a road traffic accident? Probably not.

    Pet insurance would extinguish the worry surrounding the “what ifs”, and I do know other students with pets that are insured. Even then, premiums that cover long-term conditions come at a fair price, and I wouldn’t want to find myself in a financial position forcing me to cancel insurance and risk my pet requiring costly treatment.

    Money is not the only commitment that you make to a pet though. The other major consideration is time – although this is more of a concern with dogs, which require a greater time commitment than cats.

    I often feel that owning a dog would be excellent stress relief, but as idillic as dog walking seems, could I commit several hours a day, every day, including around exam time?

    "As idillic as dog walking seems, could I commit several hours a day, every day, including around exam time?"Even if I could commit the time while I’m around, I know that I don’t stay permanently in one place. For the majority of the time I’m in Glasgow, but during the holidays I’m at home (Leicestershire), on EMS or travelling. Who would look after the pet then? Since I live with vets, they have similarly busy lifestyles and it would be unfair to expect them to pet-sit while I’m away.

    And what would happen when I graduate? I don’t know where I’ll be living, where my first job might take me, or whether it will be feasible to take a pet along for the ride.

    An alternative to pet owning is fostering. The Glasgow branch of Cats Protection has recently advertised their fostering service to vet students at Glasgow. The fostering scheme encourages taking on a cat, with bedding, litter and food provided. They will provide all veterinary care and will even take back the cats if you go on holiday.

    I think fostering is a great way of caring for cats without a lot of the concerns outlined above, and perhaps the only option I’d consider while at university with regards to pets. As much as I’d love to own a pet in Glasgow, I think it would be unfair on the animal if I could not offer the money and time to give it a great quality if life.

    It’s unfortunate that many people do not undertake greater consideration when deciding to own a pet. Perhaps many of the day-to-day ethical issues faced in practice could be avoided if they did.

  • PCV and blood transfusions

    Red blood cells
    Image © iStock.com/Yakobchuk

    There are no specific packed cell volume guidelines as to when to transfuse an animal with red blood cell containing products.

    The decision to transfuse is based on the clinical condition of the patient and the chronicity of the anaemia.

    For example, a cat with chronic non-regenerative anaemia due to bone marrow disease may be stable with a PCV of 10%, whereas a cat with acute haemorrhage due to a RTA could be very unstable with a PCV of 15% and in need of emergency blood transfusion.

  • Interview nerves? How to calm yourself before an interview

     

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey

    Of course you’ll be nervous – it’s an interview! Accepting that you will be nervous allows you to work on some strategies to help before and during the interview.

    The Pen is Mightier… I find that many people are helped by the act of writing. I suspect that it’s the act of writing as well as what you write. What to write? If you are nervous about forgetting something, write down a list of what you need. If you are nervous about certain interview questions, then write out your answers. You won’t deliver them exactly as you write, but you will remember most of what you write. If you are nervous about certain behaviors (talking too fast, giggling, not smiling), then in the corner of a piece of paper write a coded symbol that reminds you to smile, listen, etc.. If you are waiting outside of the interviewer’s office, write a thank-you to the interviewer in advance. Writing that thank-you allow you to focus on the successful outcome of the interview. You will drop off the thank-you as you leave the interview and appear well-organised.

    Help someone else. If you need to practice for an interview, find someone else who needs to practice. Use your new partner to practice with and seek opportunities to offer advice. When you realise that your problems are similar and normal, you will relax. Although you may face similar challenges and concerns, you will find it much easier to solve their problems than yours. Along the way you’ll get insights into your own challenges.

    Be your own third party. Even if you don’t have a buddy to work with, consider pretending that you do. Take a look at your situation and ask: “If I were someone else what would I do?” This technique is particularly powerful if you identify someone you feel handles these situations well. If you know that “Bob” is always good at discussing his career, then imagine how “Bob” might handle a tough interview question.

    Find your “peaceful place”. Before an interview consider the place you’ve always felt safe and relaxed and happy. Practice seeing yourself in this place. When you get nervous picture yourself again in this place.

    Concentrate on a detail around you. Nervous people relax when their attention is diverted, so this is a good waiting room strategy. That’s partly why doctors’ offices have magazines. But you can find an interesting painting to look at, or window to study the clouds outside. Focus on details and try to memorise what you see.

    Ask questions. During an interview if you ask questions the interview will become more comfortable for both you and the interviewer. Have a few questions prepared for the interviewer, “How long have you worked here?” Making an interview into a conversation allows you to feel the normal comfortable rhythm of conversation.

    Nervousness is normal. Accept that your nerves might help you stay energised. Then, use simple strategies to manage the stress level.

    I’d love to hear from you! For many more ideas about getting and keeping a job that you love, check out my book: Make Me an Offer I Can’t Refuse is available at Amazon.

    Article Source: Interview Nerves? How to Calm Yourself Before an Interview

  • Dress for success: tips for job interviews

     

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/YanLev

    We are all familiar with the adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. It is true that appearance is ultimately superfluous, but there is no escaping the fact that it has an effect, especially initially.

    In a job interview situation, the way you present yourself is an important factor in the overall impression you portray. You could be responding brilliantly to their questions, but if your interviewer is distracted by the birds nest on your head and the evidence of lunch around your mouth, your efforts will be futile. The reality of the matter is that if a person looks as if they take care of themselves, they convey the subliminal message that they are more likely to take care in other areas of their life, including their job. Here are a few basic guidelines for ensuring you present yourself favourably.

    It may seem an obvious point, but it is important that you dress appropriately. Not all jobs will call for a suit-and-tie get-up everyday, but it is always best to err on the smart side on first introduction. If you look well put together, you give the impression that you take yourself seriously – not in a negative way, but in an I-can-be-relied-upon way (always helpful when you are trying to convince someone to give you a job). It is best to lean towards simple items of clothing with clean-cut lines. Avoid garish prints and shapes, outrageous colours and anything too fussy. T-shirts with contentious slogans are an absolute no-no. Basically, you don’t want anything you’re wearing to be a distraction for your interviewer. Think of your clothes as a frame and yourself as the picture: the frame can be attractive and understated, but its function is ultimately to draw attention to the brilliance of the picture: you, in other words. That is not to say, however, that you should dispel with your individuality completely. A couple of discreetly placed accessories can hint at personality and add interest.

    Secondly, make you what you are wearing is comfortable. It is no secret that clothes enhance the way you feel in any given situation; if you are heavily constricted, and in pain from that darn seam digging in, you are more likely to be flustered and thrown into a state of anxiety. If you are physically comfortable when interviewing for jobs you will be more inclined to feel at ease and more able to focus on the job interview questions being thrown at you.

    Your pre-job interview grooming should, of course, extend beyond what you are wearing. It is no good turning up in a bespoke, beautifully tailored masterpiece if your face and hair still make it look like you spent last night sleeping in ditch. Make sure your hair looks tidy and is away from your face: not only does good facial exposure allow for heightened expressivity, but constantly flicking wayward strands of hair from your eyes will eventually become very irritating for both for you and your interviewer.

    For the women, if you are wearing make up, it is important to not go overboard. Just as you should shy away from wearing clothes with excessively bold colours, so should you avoid putting said colours on your face. It all goes back to the being taken seriously issue: if the amount of blusher you have on makes you look like a clown, your interviewer may be inclined to treat you as such. In case of doubt, a couple of coats of mascara, a dab of concealer in crucial areas and a lick of a neutral lipstick will serve to make you look fresh-faced and groomed.

    With sensible dressing, a quick sprucing up, and of course a wealth of perfectly-prepared interview questions responses, you are sure to come across as an exemplary candidate in any job interview, hopefully enabling you to make the job a good’un!

    Article Source: articlesbase.com

    About the Author

    Xanthe Kershaw is a staff writer for VCCP Search and writes articles on careers and jobs for http://www.totaljobs.com, a leading UK Job site.

  • How to examine a patient’s rima glottidis for suspected laryngeal paralysis

    Intraoral view of a dog with bilateral laryngeal paralysis during inspiration. The arytenoid cartilages (a) are immobile and the vocal folds (b) are medially displaced. Credit: Daniela Murgia.
    Intraoral view of a dog with bilateral laryngeal paralysis during inspiration. The arytenoid cartilages (a) are immobile and the vocal folds (b) are medially displaced. Credit: Daniela Murgia.

    Anaesthesia normally depresses laryngeal movements, making diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis challenging. The animal should be anaesthetised to the point at which the mouth can be easily opened but a laryngeal reflex is still present.

    If jaw tone is such that you are afraid of being bitten during the examination, then the plane of anaesthesia is appropriate. If the GA is too deep, the patient will not have normal vocal fold movement and even a normal larynx may appear paralysed. In this case you should wait for drug redistribution allowing the patient to approach consciousness and repeat the examination.

    Exposure of the larynx is more readily accomplished with thiopental or propofol than with diazepam-ketamine.

  • Examining for the real world

    Image ©iStockphoto.com/Stock Shop Photography LLC
    A little last minute cramming? Image ©iStockphoto.com/Stock Shop Photography LLC

    It’s that dreaded time of year again: end of year professional exams.

    Having already completed our OSCEs (practical clinical exams), we now have the written exams to “look forward to”. Stress levels at vet school are sky high at the moment, and while my immediate concern is also the fast approaching exams, I have a more long-term concern playing on my mind: how reflective are the exams of our veterinary knowledge, really?

    Some people can do exams and some just can’t handle the pressure. I am definitely the sort of person that can cram for an exam and then forget the majority of what I’ve learned as soon as I walk out of the exam room – I think this stems from riding and having to learn four show jumping courses a day, then immediately erasing the route of the first from memory so as to not mix it up with the next.

    Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complete last minute crammer – I have been working towards these exams for the best part of the last six weeks and hope I won’t forget everything immediately, but I know I can’t remember every detail from first year now. So how am I possibly going to retain everything I will need to know as a practising vet?

    I have some small animal clinical EMS lined up this summer, and the staff at the practice are well aware that I’m only just finishing second year, so they won’t be expecting me to have expert knowledge on every drug in their cabinet or be a masterful surgeon. However, if I’m shown an radiograph of a limb, from first year anatomy, I should know what I’m looking at… but will I?

    confused-vet-quoteI suppose this reinforces the critical importance of EMS in supplementing our knowledge and allowing us to apply it in a practical situation. I can certainly appreciate the retention value of things I’ve seen or done on placements already – even from before vet school.

    My first work experience placement at a vets was with a farm practice when I was 15. I remember being very cold while spending three hours pregnancy diagnosing dairy cows in February. But I also remember the three methods of correcting a left displaced abomasum that I saw that week and the unforgettable diagnostic “ping” heard through the stethoscope.

    One of our practical exams last week involved the clinical examination of rumen function in the cow, and required that same diagnostic test. At this level, we were given healthy cows, and many of my friends were unaware of what exactly they were listening for. But I’m certain that even now, six years later, if I heard that ping, I’d know what it was.

    Perhaps this just means that personally, I’m a practical learner – but being a vet will be a practical job, and the truth is, you can’t learn everything out of a book… and you can’t test long term retention by sitting a written exam.

    The real test of whether I’ve remembered first year knowledge will be when vets start quizzing me in context.

  • Diagnosis of Lyme disease

    Borrelia burgdorferi
    Using darkfield microscopy technique, this photomicrograph (magnified 400x) reveals the presence of spirochaete, or “corkscrew-shaped” bacteria, known as Borrelia burgdorferi – the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. Image courtesy US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Diagnosis of Lyme’s disease is challenging and normally depends on evidence of exposure along with clinical signs and diagnostic tests.

    Tests for Borrelia burgdorferi can be divided into those that demonstrate presence of the organism, and antibody tests.

    Detection of the organism by culture, cytology, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay can be difficult as the organism is difficult to culture and very rarely found in blood, urine, joint fluid or CSF.

    Serological testing is helpful, but subclinical infections can occur, and antibodies to B. burgdorferi may cross react with other spirochaetes. A positive serological test does not equate to a diagnosis of Lyme disease, but animals with clinical Lyme disease are unlikely to be negative for anti-Borrelia antibodies.

    The cytological changes in synovial fluids from dogs with Lyme disease are often more typical of low-grade immune-mediated joint disease than of a bacterial infection.