I always like to ask for their business card and send them a thank you note via email ... since you never know when it will actually arrive! Of course, it depends on the style of the company, if they are into snail mail, then by all means send a note card. But a lot of businesses in today's age rely on email; I would suggest bcc'ing yourself so you have a copy of it also. Good Luck!

 

Just be careful to not talk yourself out of the job by asking too many questions, 20 sounds like a lot! They want to feel confident that they chose the right candidate also. There are no guarantees anymore, and yes it is a risk by changing employers; this also includes losing benefits and other things at your current level, something to consider before moving on. However, I would ask the questions in a very positive light. Perhaps you should ask some of those questions during your second interview (so there won't be so many) so you really know more about the company and boss to decide that this is the right job/opportunity, if that's really what you want.



I would like to ask why are you leaving your current job, you may want to reevaluate this before you do give your resignation so you're as sure as possible that you are doing the "right" thing. Good Luck and let us know what you decide, Okay!

 

 

When I was in admin. school, I believe we used a Cortez-Peters typing book, forgive me if that is the wrong name (check with your local community college bookstore, I'm sure they'll know the right one). They have some awesome drills for concentration typing, accuracy, and speed.  



Everyone is right, typing speed doesn't count all that much anymore (but it could eliminate you from another candidate for a job, if that is the only factor that isn't the same), it's where and what you do on a daily basis in your position that is most important. I can't imagine someone getting hung up on this one particular skill! Don't worry too much!



 

Sungoddesslv, we have something in common! I worked for the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for three years between '94 and '97. My father took our family there in the 70s to work in the oil fields, so I was familiar with the language and culture - and it does take some adjustments! I found out about the opportunity through an ad placed by a recruiting agency in the Secretary magazine (now called Office Pro), which is the IAAP magazine.



You don't have to be all that lucky to get a job overseas, although connections do help. It takes someone who can adapt well to change, be flexible, and willing & able to take risks. Also living away from your friends and family for extended periods of time is a disadvantage, but there are travel opportunities and other things that can be traded for that. Monetary compensation and paid housing are also perks and reasons to live in certain countries, although I would recommend if anyone chooses to go overseas, they should find out about taxes before they go, both in the host country and the U.S. Other perks include lifetime friends who you will meet in your travels and/or work with; they are the ones who are there to support you in the good times and bad.



I would say to anyone who is considering working overseas, if the time is right in your life and you're ready for an adventure, go for it! I did and don't regret it for a second!

 

 











 

The Spokane area, does that surprise you?! With high-tech just starting to move into this area, I think I should wait to find the right opportunity; it's the mindset and skills that new companies coming into this area will be looking for ... and here I am!  



For right now I am satisfied working temporary.



Thanks!

 

I have moved to a smaller but growing city in Washington State, where the norm is mediocre (not something I'm used to, coming from a larger area) in the workplace .... and apply for jobs that are pretty much lower than my skill level, since that is what seems to be available. How do you convince an employer that you ARE the best candidate for the job because you have lots of experience, more than they are really needing ..... and WIN?! Any advice, ideas, etc.??! Thanks!





 

I would suggest taking breaks every hour to reduce the stress to your hands and arms to help minimize your carpal tunnel numbness symptoms. It is important to have the correct height on your chair, the 90 degree positioning of your arms and wrists, the height of your computer, your back position, and feet resting either on the floor or a riser properly.



I have gone to a physical therapist for CTS and she uses a combination of ice packs, massaging techniques, and also gave me exercises to do to help eliminate the pain/pressure. A chiropractor would also be an alternative. Have you tried a "natural"/ergonomic keyboard?





 

I like all of these ideas above, I would just add that perhaps a janitor or facilities person could come and check that the conference room is left in good order after a meeting for the next person or group to use. Or perhaps the person who scheduled the meeting should be in charge of ensuring that it is left orderly and clean. Perhaps you could even go as far as making a post-conference checklist as to what should be done to tidy the room after a meeting.