Increasing Chances of Employment for Fresh Graduates

For the purpose of a better future, financially and socially, fresh college and university graduate students generally search for jobs after graduation. After doing some research on the internet and thinking about some ideas and personal experiences myself, I realized that some ideas and actions if followed or implemented can increase the chance or possibility of getting a job. Sure, you can’t guarantee success quickly and 100 percent fully, but certain actions and ideas can be helpful in one way or another.

Interviews are the milestones that can lead to the job of your dreams. The two golden questions are : What are the things that you should remember while preparing for an interview? and What is the mindset you should adopt during an interview? The next two sections answer exactly these two questions.

Before an Interview

1. Prepare well for an interview in a certain company by reading about such company on the internet. Doing some research about the company will give the managers or head office administration of the company a better impression about you. You will be more knowledgeable and confident in giving relevant and decent information while answering certain questions. Besides, you will get to know more about the skills and qualifications required to be employed for a certain position inside a company. For example, if you apply for a marketing job or public relations task, it is natural that they would require good communication skills and outgoing friendly character, so doing some research about a company assists you to attain a decent job.
2. Try to find the location of the company whether on the net or by phone because this will help you arrive on time for an appointed interview.
3. If you are looking for a job, look after those being in harmony and alignment with your dreams as much as possible. The more you love your job, the more likely you will succeed. Besides, the more you believe in your words, actions and missions in life, the more is the probability that the interviewer or potential employer will trust your abilities and capacities just as in the example mentioned in the previous point.
4. Take care of your health ( healthy diet, plus some moderate sports ) because this helps you look in a better shape and appearance , give you a better mood to deal with new life situations and conditions , increase your productivity and improve the functioning of a human brain , as healthy mind exists in a healthy body… When you look healthy, you will get higher probability of being recruited for a job opportunity.
5. Remain up-to –date in technical skills and widen your new skills during the duration of time while you are still searching for a job. For example, while waiting to find a job, try to learn new computer programs and develop your skills that may be useful to get a job.
6. Take Steps to learn a new widely used language like Spanish, German, Arabic or French (If you are not a native speaker) or become more fluent in English being the nowadays business language that may help you find a job outside your native country sometimes. Today, through the internet, you can apply online for a job vacancy abroad without having to show up personally at first. Moreover, learning a new language will make it easier to travel around in foreign countries as a visitor or tourist. It facilitates applying for a job in a company there that may sponsor you and help you get a work visa and residence. For example, some people while visiting Dubai for tourism sought and found a job there to be able to live and work in Dubai afterwards (sure, one would have to like the place to live in it).
7. Well done and suitable cover letter: A well done and rich cover letter can uplift your chances in obtaining a job. An example mentioned in a book called “ Think and Grow rich “ written by Napoleon Hill is about a woman who prepared very well for a cover letter for her son as a fresh graduate and listed some information in it that has helped him achieve a high position in a company as a new entrant that would have required him years to reach.
8. Well prepared CV: Make a concise CV that mentions the best quality information about your achievements, education and experience in a clear and brief way that is easy to understand.
9. Get counsel from other graduate students you know or from your friends and relatives. Sharing ideas and experiences can be really beneficial. Your acquaintances, relatives or friends can lead you to new companies or introduce you to high ranking managers in companies that you look forward to work with. Although listening to advice and other points of views can be fruitful in some cases, but you should question what you hear or read as each person has his or her own character with different preferences; what works for others may not necessarily work for you and vice versa.
10. If you do not find a job in few months, why not get training in a company especially in your domain or major? Getting training for little or even no salary for a short period of time at first can help you get practical life experience, acquire needed skills, broaden your knowledge, enrich your CV and even strengthen your self confidence. You could get hired for that company later on or at least you could make new helpful friendships. I personally heard about people who got good jobs in banks after being on trial for few months getting only transportation benefits before being recruited for such jobs.
11. Sign up for job notifications in topics that interest you. You may do this through job search engines such as Indeed.com  or simple job sites such as career-watch.info.
12. Always have hope as life is really abundant, wonderful and friendly. Sometimes, through temporary failure, mistakes we make or what seems as hard life lessons, we get wiser, better and stronger.

During an Interview

1. Dress in a neat and appropriate way for a job interview as this can give a better idea about you especially to people you meet personally for the first time.
2. Be positive in an interview as much as possible. Even, if you are asked to mention some of your weaknesses, tell them that you also do your best to overcome them and to discover new constructive ways of solving problems. You can say that you are ready to acquire new knowledge to improve and enrich your skills. However, do not mention your weaknesses unless you are asked.
3. Give relevant answers to questions for you not to be out of topic. Being consistent and focused in your responses and stating information as briefly as possible constitute a credit for you in an interview and so leave behind a better reputation.
4. Answer, as much as you can, in a relaxed and calm manner. This will show that you have the ability to approach different life situations in a rational and balanced manner.
5. When questioned about the reasons for seeking employment in a specific company, say that you would contribute and add value to the company because you love your career and the job applying to. For instance, you may say that you can help others get inspired towards a better futuristic goal and vision of the company. It makes a wonderful difference if you are creative in terms of developing new ideas, new services and products that can boost productivity and strengthen the company. As an example, a young man applying for an IT job in an internet related company convinced the owner (who is a Lebanese American billionaire) in his speech that he was really interested, skillful, motivated and committed to work in such a task, so he got employed there.
6. Charming character and positive attitude can help you connect with the manager and the employees. As a particular example , if you have managed in life to build up your self-confidence , this may show up in the interview and the head office may see that such a confident person if employed may inspire and encourage others to progress and do better work. If the employer notices that you smile from your heart and be really happy to start your job, this will give you a higher chance to be accepted for a job offer.
7. Be yourself in search for a job to the best of your ability: Try to act naturally, but sure, it is better to be a little careful with your behavior and words with people you meet for the first time .However, to act in an ordinary normal way and not to pretend to be much different from how you really are is better for both the interviewer and the interviewee. For instance, if you are not that kind of person that has really a smiley face or easy-going character, you can’t be a salesman in a trading company. When you are on trial (testing period of time), the managers can get to notice many aspects of your personality as they get to know more about you before officially hiring you in the company.

Even if you cannot get what you desire at first, keep on going, go ahead and see in what areas you can get better. You never know what opportunities and joyful experiences, life may bring to you as result of having patience, gratitude and optimism. God never closes a door without opening many other doors. Actually, the creator of the universe offers us many opportunities (and not just one) for us to benefit from, but we have to open up our minds and act to the best of our ability to get inspired and prosper. He always shows us his mercy and love in both sadness and happiness. Seek and you will find and knock the door and it shall be opened for you. Let us wish you all the best in life…

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How to improve your life

To become more comfortable with oneself , there are many things can be done to get along with your life and improve.

It depends on your personality and personal preferences but many ideas and actions can be taken, such as :

1 . Try to make balance between personal life and work. Work to feel and live better and have activities when you are on vacation to fee better like sports , going to parks or cinemas or so on…

2 , try to read about topics you care about or benefit you

3 . Try to have sports and physical activities that help you feel better physically and emotionally…If you like to drink some wine or beer , let it be in small amounts and just once a week as it can make you happy but just in moderate quantities. A little bit of wine can make your heart joyful…

4 . Hang out with people who love you truly…

5 . Help people out as much as you can because this will make you feel better as you feel inner joy and you will get God blessing especially if you help nice people.

6. Be grateful because even in the hardest times you can learn new lessons that maybe blessings in disguise. There is a saying that stars shine in the darkness of the night. Trust that the Lord has the best plan for you whatever circumstances can be.

7 . I have experienced that myself. After sadness comes happiness. After a rainy storm , there will be sunshine… wonderful flowers and green trees will not exist without having some clouds and rainfall…

8 . Try to be optimistic about life and to see the full half of the cup instead of the empty half. You can fill with time the cup till 80 percent of it .

9 . Do not COMPARE yourself to others because every person has his own condition and personality. I feel better if I do not bother and watch how others are living.Forexample, I used to feel that I should leave my home country and go to Canada or Europe, But when I read about these countries , I learned that each country has advantages and disadvantages. Each country and each person has both bright side and dark side of life. But , we got to enjoy life as it is because God is always with us supporting more than our parents do.

10, If you like nature , spend time in nature because it is really relaxing and refreshing.

11. Read some prayers from any religion , book , or in the internet.

12 . Learn about new things whether languages or culture.

13 . Try to sleep and wake up early.

14 . eat everything you love but with moderation…

15. Forgiving yourself and others can help you relax and feel good about yourself. Just wish all people goodness and love as you wish to yourself.

16 . Take things simply as much as possible and live in a relaxed manner after trying to do your best in a consistent manner.

Unique Facts About Lebanon – Visit Paradise Lebanon

http://www.visitparadiselebanon.com/unique-facts-about-lebanon/

These 12 Incredible Ways To Add Joy To Your Life Are Absolutely BRILLIANT!

http://www.littlethings.com/easy-ways-to-add-joy-to-your-life/

It is true that to some extent life is what you make. It would be very good if you try to look at ways to raise the level of happiness in your life.Joy can boost your productivity at work, increase chances of success  , help you improve your social relationships and helps you become healthier.

if interested , please click on the link above.

Is the Size of Foreign Currency Reserves an Indicator of Economic Strength of a Country?

The amount of foreign currency reserves can be an important factor or signal of economic prosperity or power in a country, but not the only one. To illustrate, foreign currency reserves can help protect the value of local currency within a country especially in a developing country, but it is not enough alone to prevent depreciation of national currency against speculation or surprising events that may occur from time to time. However, good management of foreign currency reserves plus the overall general performance of national economy can be favourable or helpful in preserving the value of local currency as well as national wealth and savings. A Thriving and growing national economy can lead a country to form sufficient amount of hard currencies. For instance, South Korea, an East Asian country that is quickly industrialising and developing, has accumulated reserves reaching about 365 billion dollars in March 2016, which is praiseworthy in a country having recently a nominal GDP more than 1300 billion $. Foreign currency reserves can allow nations to borrow money or sell treasury bonds with less cost and higher credibility. In September 2016, South Korea could sell 10 year treasury bonds with interest rate 1.46 % just a little bit higher than % interest on US T-bonds, being currently considered as safe haven. Another example, Switzerland that has a population of almost 8 million, has owned in March 2016 foreign currency reserves of almost 607 billion $ (excluding Gold). This is no surprise as the Swiss banking sector is among the safest and strongest in the world. One example, UBS, one of the largest banks in Switzerland and even in the whole world, has managed in 2014 total assets of about 1,967 billion $. In general terms, Swiss GDP per capita or average annual individual income in 2015 has reached $ 75,550, among the highest in the world. Besides, its national Currency (Swiss Franc) is a safe haven. The Swiss Banking sector has helped historically in establishing infrastructure projects such as railways throughout Switzerland and Europe generally and so on. In conclusion, foreign currency reserves are part of financial resources that can help support national economy if well invested and correctly managed because they can support sustainable economic development and financial stability whether directly or indirectly.

Generally speaking, when foreign currency reserves expand in size, they could be one sign of positive economic events taking place. For example, from 2000 till 2008, Russia, which is the one of the largest exporters of oil and natural gas, had its foreign currency reserves increasing steadily after oil and gas prices climbed and prudent economic reforms were taken. Russian foreign currency reserves rose to a peak of 596.5 billion dollars in July 2008. The average annual income multiplied and increased dramatically during this period…Another example, Germany which is a great guarantor of the Euro currency (one of the reserve currencies of the world) has owned foreign reserves of almost 400 billion dollars in April 2016. Germany is the second largest exporter of goods in the world after China. The nominal GDP per capita of Germany has recently been estimated to be 3500 billion $ and GDP per capita reached about $ 42,000 recently. However, foreign reserves are not the only sign of economic prosperity. For instance, USA had foreign reserves of 120.4 billion $ in July 2016 less than Russia having 394 billion $ in July 2016, but this does not indicate that the Russian economy is larger or better than the US economy, for example. The US dollar itself constitutes the majority of the reserve currencies of the world, but the Russian Ruble is not considered a hard currency and is much less used in world trade than US dollar. In comparison, the US has the largest economy in the world having a nominal GDP of about 18,000 billion $ and a nominal GDP per capita about $ 51, 500 in 2015, whereas Russia had a nominal GDP of about 1,326 billion dollars and annual average nominal income of about 11,000 dollars in 2015. Russia has risen to become the 12th most innovative economy in January 2016 but the USA is reported to be the fourth most innovative economy in the world. It can be said that rules or norms have exceptions and special cases.

We go further to illustrate more about the issue of foreign currency reserves (not to mention Gold) and its correlation with economic development. China, becoming a middle income country, accumulated the globally highest foreign exchange reserves of 3,234 billion $ in March 2016 as a result of high economic growth 10 % annually for thirty years ( although economic growth slowed somehow in the recent few years ) . Moreover, China has a growing middle class in both number and average income due to economic and technological development on the one side.

On the other side, Chad in Africa owned in 2014 foreign exchange reserves of 1.08 billion dollars which is not high. Its nominal GDP per capita was no more than 1000 dollars in that year; this indicates that it is one of the poorest countries despite having oil and minerals in its national territories. (This is the case of some of the less developed countries whom we hope would progress and grow to have a better situation in the future).

Another case that proves that foreign currency reserves can be one indication of economic power (but of course not the only one) is that United Arab Emirates held about 85 billion dollars as foreign currency reserves. However, this country has a sovereign Wealth Fund of 792 billion dollars, most of which they accumulated from natural oil but they were successful at economic diversification such as industry, tourism ( especially Dubai ), commerce, real estate and other services. UAE has formed one of the largest sovereign wealth funds or investment funds in the world diversifying and managing their investments in many countries and sectors as a way of preserving their wealth for present and future generations to obtain economic security and financial return from such investments, which are much more advisable, safer and wiser than keeping all their wealth as foreign currency reserves at the central bank. Moreover, UAE has one of the highest average salaries and wages in the world. The list goes on and on about the amount of foreign exchange reserves or foreign currency reserves in relation to economic strength, development and flow of funds both to and from an individual country.

In Conclusion, foreign currency reserves constitute one sign of economic strength and prosperity especially when such reserves are well managed and protected from exchange rate fluctuations. Generally, but not in every single case, if a country has development in various and multiple economic sectors , its foreign currency reserves will grow gradually but it would be preferable if it invests some of its wealth in diversified and high quality portfolio of securities, treasury bonds of high ratings, blue chip equities, infrastructure projects , and productive sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

   Refrences :

– Eljoumhouria newspaper

– internet sources

What Other People have May Seem Better than what You have

There is a saying that: “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence “. Sometimes, you view what others have as better than what you have (although it might not be really better in some ways). Besides, everything has pros and cons (advantages and disadvantages). Rather than only noticing that others posses better than what you have, wouldn’t it be better to make self-development? Definitely, it would be much better if you try to improve what you already have, whether physical properties or mental abilities. It could be learning new skills, seeking creative constructive ideas, studying to obtain a new certificate or experiencing new things. Likewise, if necessary, why wouldn’t you water the grass in your garden if needed? For sure, it would be a better idea to cultivate and even fertilise your garden to make it as good looking as your neighbor’s garden. Be always happy with what you already have in the present with ambitious plans for the future to make things better and better day after day.

You may wish you had as much money as millionaires or famous high income celebrities worldwide. But, if you examine their personal lives more deeply and wisely getting to know more about them, you will notice they may be busier than you. Being more concerned about their work and wealth, they may have a less peaceful life than an ordinary person sometimes.

Grass is always greener on the other side
Source: From Flickr user jurek d.
Original: https://flic.kr/p/oKankD

You have not put yourself in his or her place to see what his or her real personal life is. You desire what you do not possess sometimes. In some cases, if you receive what you desire, you will find it to be something normal or ordinary. For that reason, be thankful for what you already have. You may have blessings more than you think.God blessings are greater and more abundant than the whole universe although they are sometimes hidden.

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If creative and visionary, you could discover that you have something which turns out to be a treasure. A small idea could turn your passions into riches. I was reading a short story from a book written by a famous Lebanese writer called Gibran khaleel Gibran. In the story, a village man owned an old statue but did not care about it. One day a wise man from a nearby city asked him if he would sell it for a silver coin and the country man agreed to sell it happily saying it was of no value. After a while, the villager came to the city to buy things he needed. He saw a group of people gathering in front of a shop and paying to enter. The village man entered the shop to find the wise city man receiving 2 silver coins from each person coming in to see an old monument which he found to be exactly the same one he sold for only 1 silver coin. You can conclude sometimes that things which you think are useless could turn to be a source of income. It is possible that the villager could have sold that old sculpture for dozens of silver coins had he known its importance and value. As I read in a book, riches and wealth can be found in human thoughts and minds more than in gold mines and diamonds.

In some ways, you are responsible for creating the life that you like. It is known that for good things to come, they should live in your mind first, so start to believe and act to the best of your ability so that your life can be as good as you wish. Now, I will talk about my personal experience. I am from Lebanon, which is a country in the Middle East just on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon is a country known for its pleasant moderate climate and wonderful nature, where beaches are close to mountains. Lebanon has been mentioned in the Holy Bible several times and has different religions. It has a lot of artists, thinkers and writers compared to its population size. Lebanon is rich in cultural heritage being a crossroad where many civilisations passed and intermixed. Its cuisine is rich and its food tastes good. Moreover, my country has a great robust banking sector. I hear and see people from other countries like Jordan, Tunisia and Egypt saying that Lebanon is nice. Despite all these blessings found in my homeland, I thought of moving to a more politically stable country with a higher average income compared to Lebanon considered a middle income country. Many times, I dreamed of migrating to Canada being a well developed country with prosperous economy, but then I thought that Canada has a generally cold and sometimes even freezing weather in some districts especially in the winter. Despite the fact that Canada has high working salaries and amazing living standards, I realised that as a new comer to Canada, I would have to pay part of my income there to either rent or buy a new house. In my country, I own a house and few pieces of land. There is a saying in the Arabic language: “Contentment is a treasure that stays forever” which means appreciating what you have is itself an everlasting treasure. In addition, if you look through the blessings of God, you find them to be unlimited and countless. I found out that we, the Lebanese or at least some of us, are not the only people on earth who think of migrating outside our country for one reason or another. Some people from other countries like Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Philippines come to Lebanon to work to get higher income compared to their mother country. With all modesty, I say that even in years of stability in their countries, some Syrian and Egyptian people say that they dream of working in Lebanon.

I found out through research on the internet that even in well developed and advanced countries like United Kingdom about 5 million UK citizens have left their country to some other countries from 1990 till 2016. Likewise, millions of Italian people have migrated to different countries abroad. These are just few examples of cases where man can view “the grass greener on the other side of the fence” as said in English.

Consequently, instead of thinking of leaving my country, I would stay in my homeland near my family and try to improve my situation in many areas of my life as much as possible. I noticed that if I improve my personal situation, I can help others in my country improve their lives directly or indirectly. Many are the ways by which I can improve my well being. It could be through going to work earlier in the morning to be more productive and efficient. Maybe, it is through being kinder to other people and more positive in life. Another good way would be to obtain more constructive ideas and actions or increase education and knowledge. Practising some sports and meditation moderately is a very good idea to help me feel better. In short, if I want my native country to become a better place to live in, I should start myself to become a better person (even if I am just an ordinary citizen). Every person constitutes a part of one’s nation or state and can be a source of inspiration for others to make sustainable development.

Anyway, it would be preferable and more useful if you try to shift your mindset and energy to attain higher level of success while remaining humble. You are, like any other human being, capable in various ways to achieve prosperity if you use your God given abilities. Each person is born equally to other people but with different talents and abilities, which if he or she believes in and makes the best use of, may progress. Many are the examples of children coming from poor backgrounds become heroes. A good example is Thomas Edison, who used to sell candy and newspapers in the train to earn the cost of buying equipment and material for his laboratory. He tried many experiments before growing into a brilliant famous inventor. In conclusion, do your best and leave the rest. When you take care of yourself, God will take more care of you.

Benefit from opportunities as much as you can whenever they are present. Hopefully, the benefit and improvement will show gradually whether slowly or quickly. There is a saying:” Rome was not built in one day”. Take enough time and give adequate effort to build up step by step whatever you seek. For instance, if someone owns a house or an apartment better than yours, you shall persistently try to work as hard and good as he does to build or buy a better house if you want. (Remember that if someone has more money or larger house, it does not always guarantee that he is happier than you because happiness comes mainly from inside more than from outside). You can create your own happiness, contentment, enlightenment and prosperity. Always be grateful to the universe and the creator of the universe while doing your best to achieve your goals and fulfil your dreams. This makes more sense and gives more hope than just noticing that some individuals seem to be very lucky compared to you.

Mirna Hanna, the Iraqi child prodigy

When people think about Iraq, they remember Saddam Hussien, ISIS, suicidal attacks, bombs, terror and fear. But after every night comes a sun shine and after every winter comes a spring.

Mirna is a beautiful child who chose singing to tell the world that her country was once beautiful and that the Islamic State’s voice isn’t the only voice in Iraq. She chose to sing and speak up on behalf of all the free minds of the Iraqi people. For that, ISIS threatened her dad that they would kidnap her if she didn’t stop singing.

Lets put that into perspective!

So at its current state, and unfortunately in Iraq now, its enough for anyone to disagree with ISIS to have himself as a target for their terror. You don’t even need to disagree with them, you just have to be different!  After all, what did the Yazidis do to deserve slaughter, rape and slavery; but you can’t argue reason and common sense with the dark minds of the Islamic State, you can only hope to run away or fend them off.

Mirna Hanna challenged ISIS by her voice, by being beautiful and the biggest sin of all, being different (i.e. She is Christian). So she had to leave Iraq and she currently resides in Lebanon.

To read more about Mirna Hanna, click this link:

Mirna Hanna – ميرنا حنا

But for now, lets hear her sing:

 

 

God Bless you and your family, keep singing, the world loves you. Your free and beautiful voice will be the end of ISIS.