20 Situational Interview Questions and Answers to Nail Your Interview

20 Situational Interview Questions and Answers to Nail Yur Interview20 Situational Interview Questions and Answers to Nail Yur InterviewHere are 20 top situational bewerbungsinterview questions, plus the right/wrong way to answer them. But firstBen Franklin said, If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.That goes triple for situational interview questions.The situational interview definition? Tell me about a time you proved yure the perfect person for this job.Situational interviews are an awesome opportunity to stand above the throng.Most people botch them, so its easy to look good.If you can spend the prep time, you can stand out like Dwayne Johnson in a crowd of Peter Griffins.This guide will give you20 top situational interview questions and answers, with right and wrong examples.How to prep for the top interview questions for hypothetical situations.A formula to ace the toughest scenario interview questions.How to figure out which situational questions youll face.And if you want to turn every interview into a job offer, get our free checklist42 Things You Need To Do Before, During, and After Your Big Interview. Make sure nothing will slip your mindWant to land more job interviews? Create the perfect resume in our builderPick a professional template.Get expert resume tips from recruiters.Edit and download your resume in minutes.Start getting more job offers. binnensee 20+ resume templates and create your resume.Sample resume made with our builder See 20+ templates and create your resume hereOne of our users, Nikos, had this to sayI used a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume now1How to Answer Situational Interview QuestionsBefore we view the top situational interview questions and answers, heres a tipTo answer situationsAre you kollektiv-oriented? The three collaboration interview questions below try to find out.6. Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a coworker who welche s tough to please.rightThe other pharmacy tech in our lab always had to have things her way. I picked my battles and actually found out she had some good ideas. When I felt very strongly about making changes to our ordering process, she welches eager to help. We decreased our processing time by 25%.wrongI worked with another pharmacy tech who always had to get her way. I kept my head down and did what she said because it was easier that way. Eventually she moved on to another job.Employers love to hire applicants who have unique abilities, as in example 1 above.7. Tell me about a time you had to work with an important customer or a difficult manager.Which of the scenario interview questions answers below would you rather give? Which one has more benefit?rightI had an editor who always complained about my work no matter how hard I tried. I added a second round of proofreading on each piece. Since then, Ive received numerous compliments from editors over my level of polish.wrongI had a boss who was always micromanaging me and everybody else in the department. I stayed out of his way and got my job done. It wasnt easy, but I learned to keep my head down.Whats better, an employee who grows through adversity, or one who hides from it?8. Describe a situation where you had to make a good impression on a customer. How did you do it?Prep for situational-based interview questions like this by digging for achievements.rightIn my wedding video business, one client hounded me day and night before her daughters wedding. I asked the venue if I could fire her. They said her photographer, baker, and band had quit, and I was welcome to. I decided to stick with her. She was so happy she hired me to do her other daughters wedding the next year. The venue made me their exclusive vendor.wrongWhenever I have to meet with an important client, I make sure Im dressed professionally and I show up on time.The second of those situational interview questions answers is like cooked spaghett i. Can you find a win in your past like 1?The scenario-based interview questions below measure your time management. About 57% of hiring managers list that as a must.9. Tell me about a time your workload was very heavy.This is one of those scenarios questions that judge prioritization skills. Spot the difference in these answersrightWe had two big orders at the same time. I delegated one to the assistant lead. He had some problems, but we got both orders shipped on time. We landed $200,000 in repeat business and the assistant lead turned out to be a capable leader.wrongWe had a couple big orders come in at the same time. I worked overtime and we got everything done.Delegation shows both dedication and time management. Working overtime? Just dedication.10. Tell me about a long-running project you handled. How did you manage your time to meet your deadlines?rightMy team had to develop a SaaS app for a major client. We used the Agile SLDC model with 2-week sprints and daily standups/sc rums. By delegating time management, we were able to finish the project 20% ahead of time.wrongWe had to develop a SaaS app for a big client. It took a year to get all the kinks worked out. I kept myself on a strict schedule the entire time.Dont forget the benefit. Interview situational questions are always digging for your value.Next up, answers to situational interview questions about a jammed to-do list.11. Describe a time when you had too many to do items on your list. How did you solve the problem?rightOur department downsized and I got twice my normal workload. I found ways to do things quicker by sourcing new transcription software and making a new system for sorting interviews. I was able to do twice the work with the same effort.wrongDuring the holiday rush, I had a lot more to-dos than normal. I had to work some overtime, but I convinced them to hire a temp assistant.What was your biggest time management achievement? Have it ready for your situational job interview.How to Answer Situational Interview Questions About Job-Specific SkillsThe scenarios interview questions in this guide cover general soft skills. Youll also face questions about specific job skills.Identify the skills you need. Theyre listed in the job ad.Come up with a time you used each skill.Identify the problem and how you used the skill to solve it.Figure out a measure for how the company benefited. List dollars saved, revenue earned, time saved, customer satisfaction increased, etc.12. Describe a situation where you used Photoshop to complete a projectExample Job Specific Situational Interview Question and AnswerrightWe had a gunst der stunde to win over a high-paying client. My design was shortlisted for a Design Week Award. We got their repeat business and raised annual revenue by 15%.wrongIve used Photoshop daily for 10 years. I guess one of my projects was to design a Tri-Fold for a client.Which of those two graphic designers would you hire?These next situational interview questi ons get at your problem-solving skills. More than half the hiring managers surveyed count that as a key requirement.13. Tell me about a tough challenge you faced. How did you solve it?rightWe got swamped with a line out the door and every seat and table filled. I asked the boss if we could serve free soda and breadsticks and explain the wait time to each party. We served everyone in order, and our comment cards that shift were 95% positive.wrongThe elevators went down during a busy check-in. We had to carry all the bags up four flights of stairs all night.Its not just how you handled it, its, how did your idea help?Some behavioral and situational interview questions are booby-trapped. Make sure you find the benefit in this one14. Describe your biggest work failure. How did you handle it?rightI let a big order of defective parts get all the way to shipping. That was bad and created a lot of scrap. After, I suggested we install mistake-proofing so it could never happen again. We creat ed some dies with pins in them so the parts can only be put into the machines one way. We havent had a single defect since.wrongI shipped a big order of defective parts to a customer. It cost the company a big contract.You want the silver lining to be bigger than the cloud. Which of the situation questions answers above works best?More than 56% of hiring managers require effective communication skills. The next group of situational job interview questions judges yours.15. Tell me about a time you made a great presentation.Facing situational-based interview questions like this means knowing if the employer prefers PowerPoint, Keynote, or plain old public speaking skills.rightWe had to convince a big client to go with a costlier alternative that would ultimately make them higher profits. I put together a vorfhrung based on 10 real-world applications. They not only went with our suggestion, they became a long-term client.wrongI had to make a presentation to a client to convince them to pick the costlier of two alternatives. They did, and we got a bigger payment for the deal.Some answers to situational interview questions reveal hidden facts about you. Which of the two applicants above seems more ethical?Here are three more scenario-based interview questions.16. Tell me about a time you used written communication skills.rightI wrote reports as part of my daily shift. My department head frequently commented that my reports were the shortest and easiest to understand of all the officers.wrongI used written communication skills to write reports every day.That first one shows a workplace hero. The second probably wakes up tired every morning.Our next situation questions and answers focus on communication and interpersonal skills.17. Describe a situation where you needed information from a coworker who was slow to respond. What did you do?rightThe sound engineer in our company took a long time getting back to me with vital details. I started taking coffee breaks with h im to catch up. I got faster answers and completed projects 15% sooner.wrongOur sound engineer always took a long time getting back to me. I had my manager talk to him about being more prompt.Theres nothing wrong with answering situational interview questions like that second example. However, the first answer shows valuable interpersonal skills.The next of our scenario interview questions gets at your persuasion skills.18. Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone to see your side of things.rightThe owner was convinced our gift shop was a moneymaker. I analyzed our cash flow and found it was running at a 10% deficit. I built data visualizations that showed we could increase store revenue 40% through focusing on more popular products.wrongThe owner thought our gift shop was profitable. I sat him down and explained to him that he was wrong. He saw my side of things and agreed.That last example proves persuasiveness. The first also shows measurable results plus communication sk ills.Pro Tip All hypothetical questions are a chance to share achievements. Well actually I faced that situation and excelled, beats I would assess the situation and act accordingly any day.The next of our situational interview questions looks at flexibility. How do you adjust to change? 51% of hiring managers want to know.19. Tell me about a situation when your job went through big changes. How did you adjust?rightWhen our company grew, I went from a network administrator to a full system administrator. I read 5 books on systems admin and took a class to get a handle on my new responsibilities. I then used automated system monitoring and strategic hardware location to save us $50,000 a year in lost time and materials.wrongI was upgraded from a network admin to a systems admin. It was a lot more work and responsibility, but I adjusted well.Can you see the benefit in example 1? That scenario question unearthed a super-employee.Next on our list of situations questions and answers conf idence.20. Tell me about your proudest professional accomplishment.rightI made an educational video for a consultant that brought in over $1 million in revenue.wrongI made an educational video for a consultant that brought in over $1 million in revenue. I only made $1,000 for it but I asked him for a cut of the profits on future jobs.Sometimes answering situational questions for interviews means knowing when to stop.21. Describe a situation where your boss was 100% wrong. What did you do?Are you confident enough to step up to the boss? Do you have the grace to accept when she says no regardless?rightMy boss said we couldnt afford a bigger machine, but I knew the small one was hurting production. I took her to the shop floor during a production run and showed her all the defects and rework caused by forcing our equipment beyond capacity. She said, price out the larger one tomorrow. We got one, and our production costs dropped 30%.wrongI knew we needed a bigger TV to help video sales. My boss said we couldnt afford it. I said we couldnt afford not to. I stood my ground and he finally gave in.Again, problem, solution, benefit to the company.Pro Tip Does preparing for situational behavioral interview questions and answers sound hard? You only have to do it once for any number of interviews.Thats that in terms of situational interview questions. Time to prepare for the rest.Start withCommon Job Interview Questions and Best AnswersNext, move on to behavioral questionsSTAR Method for Acing Behavioral Interview QuestionsFinally, move on to specific answersHow to Describe Your Current Job ResponsibilitiesTell Me About YourselfWhat Are Your Strengths?What Is Your Greatest Weakness?What Is Your Management Style?Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?Why Do You Want to Work Here?Why Should We Hire You?Want dozens of other tips to take your interview performance to pro level? See our guide 50+ Successful Interview Tips, Advice GuidelinesKey T akeawayHeres a recap of situational interview questions and answersPrepare for situational questions in advance. Identify the key requirements in the job ad. Then find achievements in your past that match.Answer hypothetical interview questions with a problem you faced, a solution you came up with, and a benefit to the company.Get ready for scenario questions around popular soft skills like dependability, work ethic, and collaboration.Expect scenarios interview questions about job-specific skills shown in the job ad.Do you have questions about how to answer situational interview questions?

New Technologies Open Vast Oil Reserves

New Technologies Open Vast Oil Reserves New Technologies Open Vast Oil Reserves New Technologies Open Vast Oil ReservesBehind the recent headlines of offshore spills and Middle East uprisings, there has actually been some good news for the U.S. oil industry. Reports in early 2011 focused public attention on something oil industry insiders have known for years significant oil and gas plays lie beneath vast areas of the upper midwestern United States, practically begging to be tapped. And when they are, the nations foreign oil imports could plummet by mora than half within a decade. The news just keeps getting better for producers active in the largest of these fields the 25,000-square-mile Bakken Shale in the Williston basin of Montana, North Dakota, and adjoining Canadian provinces. Doubling U.S. Reserves In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated the amount of technically obtainable oil in the Bakken at about 151 million barrels. By 2008, technological advances had pushe d that estimate to 3 billion4.3 billion barrels, more than 25 times the previous forecast. Conventional strenge ausbildunging techniques have only been able to extract a fraction of the available crude at the Bakken Shale.In early 2011, independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company Continental Resources of Enid, OK, was projecting an ultimate Bakken recovery of an astounding 24 billion barrels of oil, enough to make it the worlds largest oil discovery in the past 3040 years, and more than enough to double current U.S. reserves. The catch is thatthe Bakken does not give up its riches easily. Conventional drilling techniques have only been able to extract a fraction of the available crude. The Bakken is a tremendous resource for North Dakota and our nation, said Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. But even with the best technology available today, we can only recover about 5% of the Bakken oil resource in this tight shale rock. Nonetheless, excitement about the play grows as technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing become more effective. Horizontal drilling puts the well casing in contact with far greater surface area of the oil repositorium than vertical methods, making recovery from shale faster and more efficient. Horizontal Drilling Is the Key Compared to vertical methods, horizontal drilling puts the well casing in contact with a much greater percentage of the oil reservoirs surface area, making recovery from shale faster and more efficient.In modern horizontal drilling, producers drill straight down until they hit shale, and then use directional drilling techniques to bend the drill string in parallel to the shale layer. Downhole motors and advanced measurement using drillingsensors at selected intervals along the drill string help the crew above ground steer the drill and make real-time adjustments based on directional data. Multistage hydraulic fracking increases the speed and precision of the fracturing process, increasing cost-effectiveness and production output. Area residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about possible effects of this method on groundwater and air quality, but environmental impact studies suggest that horizontal drillings effects are comparable to conventional techniques. North Dakota and the other states with large oil plays are relishing some long-sought economic benefits from this latter-day oil boom.Bakken-style horizontal drilling is expensive upfront, but the success and yield rates can easily offset the higher initial investment. Producers report that about 99% off their wells are productive, and 90% are profitablea track record that traditional vertical wells cant touch. North Dakota and the other states with large, previously unobtainable oil plays are relishing some long-sought economic benefits from this latter-day oil boom. North Dakota has tripled its oil production over the past four years, becoming the fourth la rgest oil-producing state, and production continues to grow rapidly, Ness said. North Dakotas 3.8% jobless ratethe nations lowestis another byproduct of the boom, as companies struggle to find skilled workers to maintain a drilling pace of 1,800 new wells per year. Engineering Companies Stand to Gain The oil and gas industry has added more than 20,000 new high-wage jobs in the state, Ness said. North Dakota is attracting all types of engineering companies to the state as we invest billions in infrastructure. We need more companies to do the work. The ongoing technical challenge to extract even more crude from shale will continue to lure engineers to the region for decades. This will attract the great minds of the future, Ness said. The ability to recover the other 95 out of every 100 barrels of oil in the ground awaits better technology. Michael MacRae is an independent writer.North Dakota is attracting all types of engineering companies to the state as we invest billions in infrast ructure- we need more companies to do the work.Ron Ness, president, North Dakota Petroleum Council

Customize this Outstanding Production Engineer Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Production Engineer Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Production Engineer Resume SampleCreate Resume William Jennings100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA 91010Cell (555) 987-1234williamjennings.comProfessional Summary Well-rounded Production Engineer with broad experience. Proficient at cost reduction, data analysis and process planning. Strong wealth of knowledge in supply chain and logistics.Core QualificationsSupply chainSix sigmaProcess planning and productionLogisticsCost reductionData analysis and interpretationTime studyAutoCADExperienceProduction Engineer, March 2009 March 2015Industrial Engineering Corporation New Parkland, CAOversaw the firms entire production center of 35 employees.Operated the route card system.Chaired supply team management team contributing to audits and improving customer satisfaction.Production Engineer, September 2006 March 2009Remington Engineering Firm New Cityland, CAProvided company training to nearly 60 new emp loyees each year.Assisted in the supervision of the production sector.Took part in internal audits and supply chain management.Education2006 Master of Science, Industrial EngineeringNew Parkland University New Parkland, CA2004 Bachelor of Science, Production EngineeringNew Parkland University New Parkland, CACustomize Resume

13 reasons your bosses dont find you likable

13 reasons your baboes dont find you likable13 reasons your baboes dont find you likableWhile you might wish those days wzu sichbeie a popularity contest mattered are over, the hard, cold truth is that being liked by those above you may make or break your career. As New York career coach, Carlota Zimmerman explains, likability can determine your life. From shopping to dating, whether its getting a good absprache on your dream home, or student loans, getting upgraded on a plane, to receiving faster care at the ER, likable people tend to move to the front of the line, she says. You want your boss to like you, since shes the one determining who will get the opportunities necessary to achieve their career potential, and goals. You want your boss to like you, so that when shes planning to attend that huge industry conference in Shanghai, she picks you to join her in first class. You want your boss to like you, so that when sh*t gets realas the young people sayshe can go to bat for you.To make sure youre putting your friendliest foot forward, avoid these blunders that might make your boss wish someone else was doing your job.You give your boss a lot to manageUnless youre at the top of the totem pole or standing atop that glass ceiling at your own company, part of your role will always mean making your managers life easier. And while asking questions is part of learning and advancing your career, the mora time your boss has to spend holding your hand, the more frustrated he or she might become. Your boss has a lot on their plate, and they dont have time to constantly babysit you. Micromanaging is not fun for anyone, and though most employees say they dont like being micro-managed, if youre a lot of work, your boss probably feels like they have to use this method to get work done, explains career coach Colene Elridge. Instead of constantly asking for reassurance, smart employees figure it out, or come to the boss with a succinct description of the problem and potential solutions. If you find it tough to resist the urge to ping your boss several times a day, Elridge suggest finding a coach or a mentor outside of your office to build your confidence. Gain the skills you need to more effectively do your job. Then find a mentor that can help guide you through your career. Mentors are great at helping you grow and develop, Elridge says.You fake it and dont produce resultsCongrats You earned an awesome aufsteigen or finally got the lead spot for a project you wanted to spear. But now, the pressure is on dropping the ball after a career growth moment can quickly make your boss doubt his or her decision. Though faking-it-until-you-make-it can work in certain cases, if youre throwing around fancy terms and answers, without actually understanding your responsibilities, you might make a big mess for your boss to clean up. I cant tell you the number of organizations Ive worked with who have employees who dont do their jobs. Meaning, they do everything but pr oduce results. Some blame falls squarely on the organization for not properly engaging their employees, but some falls on the individual. When you make the choice to not do your job, you make your boss have to work harder, and thats a key way to make them not like you. You were hired to do a job. Whatever the job is, there are expected results, and when you dont produce those results, theres a problem, Elridge says. Many people can stagnate for years at this level of middle management because they never learn how to stop bossing people and start leading people. How do you start to grow as professional, in a meaningful, impactful way? Elridge says its a slippery slope that might require some soul-searching to figure out why youre working where youre working, and what might be keeping you from being less than motivated. From there, baby steps are key. If you dont like the work, consider a career change. If youre just in a bit of a slump, pull yourself together and set a deadline. Mome ntum changes things. When you see yourself complete a project or task, you build more momentum to do better work, she adds.Youre not straightforward about things that dont workNo matter if its your dream job or just a starter gig to get you to the company you truly want to work for, there are going to be issues that arrive in every workplace. Though ultimately, its your managers responsibility to address workflows, teams or programs that simply arent working, its also part of your role to flag miscommunication or difficulties youre having. Why? When something goes wrong, productivity is the first to suffer. Any good workplace knows how to handle conflict. A workplace without conflict entschlieung skills is a recipe for chaos. It is not uncommon that people lack conflict resolution skills. Avoidance is not a tactic. Conflict will happen, and though it can be uncomfortable, its not always a bad thing. If youre the type of person who avoids conflict or stirs up conflict in your office, my guess is your boss may not like you, Elridge says. Heres where its essential to put your creative thinking hat on by figuring out whats causing the trouble and how you might suggest fixing the issue to your boss. Approach your manager with a solution not just a complaint and let them take the reins from there.You dont impress himUsually the bosss least favorite people are the ones who punch in the clock and contribute no more than they have to. Or they ask for more responsibility, but when asked to see a project through to the end, make excuses as to why they cant. The bottom line Promotable employees go above and beyond. So if youre not taking ownership for your own career path, why would you expect your boss to guide you along a highlighted, trackable path? Worst of all, if your boss has stopped coming to you because he knows he cant count on you, youre definitely not going anywhere in the company.Theres only so many hours in the work day, and if your boss starts rolling her eyes, since shes just done with your discussions about why a project isnt finishedyoure in trouble. You want your boss to identify you as someone who solves problems, whom she can count on, not as someone who makes her life harder, Zimmerman says. Working in an office, making deadlines, keeping a business on track is difficult enough. When you consider that people have their own lives, with partners, children, mortgages, parents, Netflix queues, you begin to realize that very few good managers want any unnecessary stress in the office.Instead of doing the bare minimum and offloading the rest to your boss, consider why youre feeling disconnected. Your issues may be legitimate, but if they are making it difficult to get work done, if theyre contributing to a tense corporate environment, you and your issues may need to look for a new job, Zimmerman suggests.You make it all about you Bosses have to oversee teams, and the employee who is always trying to focus attention on themselves is a distraction to cooperation. Derailing team discussions to talk about your own goals, dominating planning, and refusing to see the bigger picture of team progress rather than your own are all manifestations of this attitude. While this type of self-first behavior might make you feel like a powerful executive at first, it doesnt do much to build a relationship with your co-workers, or more importantly, your boss. This applies on a personal level too when other people are talking, listen. You might not be interested in hearing about their random trip to the Finger Lakes, but its in your best interest to listen, anyway, as a way to show respect for their experiences.Consider this people you work with have to spend a minimum of eight hours a day with you. Wouldnt they prefer someone who is pleasant to spend that time with?People want to work with people that they like, not just people who are competent. Make an effort to develop a good working relationship with your boss. This does no t necessarily mean that you always have to go out to lunch together. But it does mean that you should try to create a spirit of camaraderie between you, Zimmerman adds.You refuse to do simple tasksMaking copies? Creating a spreadsheet? Sending notes post-budget-planning meeting? Under no circumstances should you break any ethical standards for a boss, but for routine requests, the answer should always be - as far as you can swing it - yes. You might not find all of his or her tasks to be necessary, but your role is helping your higher-ups to meet deadlines and goals, so its worth your effort. If you dont do it or do it poorly you not only make yourself look bad, but the team, too.Years ago, I had a client who, on the first day of her new job, was given a detail-oriented project. She didnt do it. Not only did she not do the project, she spent time that could have been used to make her deadline, writing out a long letter of excuses and apologies. Needless to say, her management wa s furiousand within two months, that new job was only an old memory, Zimmerman says. You may not understand the reason for the deadline, you may disagree with it, but if youre really trying to climb the ladder, make the deadline.If youre actually strapped for time and cant do a deep-dive into data before 6 p.m.? Dont just cross your arms and refuse to do something. Show you can think strategically. Instead of saying, I cant do that, and expect the boss to fix it, instead point to facts and numbers and make a case for another way Because our budget cant cover this right now, its a challenge to get this project done. Have we considered hiring an intern or distributing the workload among other teams? Heres how that would work.You refuse to understand the struggle of bureaucracyIn very few cases does management responsibility mean snapping your fingers and getting what you want. Managing takes maneuvering. Being a boss is very often a matter of managing bureaucracy to get things done. S ome bosses are good at it, and some are terrible. But whats never helpful is an employee whos constantly talking down the company or asking why something hasnt already happened by now, exactly the way that employee wants it.You can create major headaches for your boss and everyone else on the job if you dont understand bureaucracy. As frustrating as dealing with bureaucracy can be, there is a certain protocol that is expected, and if you try to bypass the workings of bureaucracy in order to get things done, you will ruffle feathers along the way, explains career coach Cheryl Palmer. Your boss will probably take the heat because of your bad decisions. This in turn will affect how the boss perceives you. The best thing to do is to learn how the bureaucracy works and work within the system.Not everyone is cut out for corporate world though, Palmer notes. If you cant see yourself conforming to the bureaucracy, she suggests looking for a job in a small company where there isnt as much bu reaucracy to deal with or working for yourself.You make your boss look badJust like you, bosses like to look good in front of their bosses. If you do a good job, they look good. But if you undermine your boss by badmouthing them unreasonably to teammates or their own bosses, they usually find out, and they see you as a problem. A few years ago, a friend of mine was going through a rough patch in her life. She confided in a friend of hers, an attorney who owned a successful small practice, and he hired her, on a part-time basis, to help him out in the office. Sounds great, right? It was, except my friend simply couldnt stop herself from biting the hand that fed her. Whatever the boss said, she had to correct him, or one-up him, or simply make it clear to him that he might be a well-to-do lawyer, but she had a Masters degree, and he owed her respect, Zimmerman shared. After two weeks, all his compassion had drained away, and the next time she corrected him, he came down came the ax.T here might be times when you dont agree with your employer or you think you could do a better job than him or her, but as Zimmerman says your boss is the boss and he or she is charge. If you cant bite your tongue, you might want to consider seeking another job, where you can be at the top, or a manager you vibe better with.

Characteristics of Best Project Manager Resume

Characteristics of Best Project Manager Resume The Characteristics of Best Project Manager Resume Basically, skills are things which you have learnt over time, which can help you perform your job duties in a more profound method. The intent of including one in your resume is to produce a fantastic impression. Your resume creates the very first impression of you so it must present your very best attributes in order to be eligible for an interview. Its possible to find a lots of free printable resumes when you take the mglichkeit to attempt to see them. You might even be in a position to run into a resume design meant for the specific work youre attempting to get. If you need assistance writing your resume, it is going to be our pleasure to help you. Nevertheless, if youre going to be able to study the business youre making use of to and the particular job and its requirements, you might be a little extra daring by writing down some of the stuff you consider you are going to be able to accomplish on such a job. When it has to do with researching the company, there are numerous things you ought to search for. Highly relevant expertise in a field is the very first thing employers search for. Bear in mind that employers might already have an awareness of job duties, particularly if theyre all in the very same field, and instead need to see something which impresses them and makes you stand out. Your resume needs to address an issue for employers (which is the reason why theyre hiring). Employers know your purpose is to find the job. Ruthless Best Project Manager Resume Strategies Exploited If this IT Project Manager resume example was leid sufficient for you, youre totally free to review various other samples and templates from our website. Therefore, you should understand that functional resume 2017 is an excellent selection for you only in that circumstance, if your skill-set is truly strong. In the many cases your resume can give the outline for no under a massive part of your interview. The best resumes are a reflection of an individual, NOT only a group of words on a sheet of paper. Itll be possible to find a wide selection of job application templates in the almost all of computer program. Pay attention to the resume format you opted to pick, as you want to reveal your skills, dependent on the format you chose to pick. Fourth, it has to be in Term format. You will receive such ready formats for each and every type of job which you wish to apply. Once you locate the right resume you may use, the next step is going to be to go through the work description and the requirements necessary for the post youre applying for. You will discover a lot of different no cost resume templates out there. Hence, you might choose the acceptable work resume templates when youre in need of any. In case the template isnt in an iverstndigung im strafverfahren format there is notlage any value of utilizing it. If You Read Nothing Else T oday, Read This Report on Best Project Manager Resume The comprehensive project manager job description can help you. Todays IT project manager has to be as much a leader for a coordinator. A software project manager is the most significant person within a team who takes the overall responsibilities to deal with the software projects and play a critical role in the successful completion of the projects. A hiring manager searching for a Project Manager is searching for an organized individual with superior understanding of product administration. Remember too that great communication skills have always been among the very best things an employer wants in an IT Project Manager, so take a while in your resume to concentrate on your capacity to construct collaborative relationships. Besides any degree-level qualifications, additionally, it is important to incorporate any courses and qualifications related to project administration. For effective project planning, in addition to qui te a great understanding of various estimation practices, past experience is likewise very important. Secondly, you should ascertain if you possess knowledge and techniques outside project management in that area. Theres a main demand for technical acumen in IT project administration. As an experienced project practitioner odds are you have a great deal of project management abilities and experience. You will be able to write about your key accomplishments with every one of the significant projects handled. Oversee all facets of projects.

How To Master Online Video Interviews In These Simple Steps

How To Master Online Video Interviews In These Simple StepsAt Spark Hire we like to share the knowledge. To do this weve decided to respond to Quora questions here on our blog so we can fully answer anything you have to ask. This blog responds to the following Quora questionWhats the best way to record an erreichbar video interview?With so many online video interview options, its understandable that many HR professionals are overwhelmed by choices. There are apps and softwares we use to communicate in our everyday lives, like Skype or Facetime, that many think can do the job. But in reality, if youre trying to make you hiring process as efficient as possible, then you need an interviewing platform designed for hiring.Not too long ago, the HR department of DLP Realty found themselves asking the question what is the best way to record an online video interview? The company had a collaborative hiring process and wanted a solution that allowed them to easily share information about candi dates. They had resorted to conducting traditional phone screens, but that proved significantly inefficient. It was near impossible to find time in their HR professionals and executives busy schedules to interview candidates. Then they wasted even mora time conducting the screen itself with candidates who turned out to be bad fits.Now that theyve started using an online video interviewing platform, DLP Realty has been able to completely remove the phone screen and has seen a dramatic increase in their hire rate.Lets take a deeper look at how to successfully incorporate online video interviews into your hiring processWhy Online Video Interviews Better candidate experienceVideo technology has become a part of our daily lives. For younger employees, it has been a common form of communication they grew up using. As a result, millennials and richtungeration Z feel very comfortable using this technology. In fact, many of them are happier with their hiring experience if they go through a v ideo interview rather than a traditional screen.Since the Pew Research Center reported that millennials and Gen Z have made up the majority of the workforce since May of 2015, using this technology could help you win over a lot of top talent.Remember, though, online video interviews dont just speed up the hiring process for you. Candidates can move through the review stages faster and spend less time waiting to interview. As anyone whos interviewed for a job knows, the sooner the process is over and your feet hit the office floor, the better.Less wasted resourcesThink about how much time one phone interview takes. You spend several hours emailing back and forth with the candidate in order to find a time to talk. Then you are on the call with them for up to an hour. Finally, you have to report back to your colleagues and discuss whether or not the part is a good fit.Thats hours wasted on one candidate. In that time, you can review dozens of online video interviews.As an HR profession al, your time is valuable. You have to juggle everything from employee engagement to payroll. By switching to video interviews, you can free up a large part of your schedule and focus on your other responsibilities. Now that you see why online video interviews platforms are powerful HR tech tools, lets look at the best ways to use themPreparing for Online Video InterviewsScheduling Even if youre planning on conducting live video interviews with your candidates, scheduling can still be an issue. Using a scheduling tool that is synced to both your personal and professional calendars makes the whole process easier. By including a link to your scheduler, candidates can pick an opening with a click. Then your schedule will be updated automatically. However, just because scheduling communications are simpler, that doesnt mean they should be less personalized. With interview scheduling software, like ours, you can customize the landing page of your schedule. This way when candidates pick a time for their interview, they dont see a generic page with listed times. They see something that matches your companys brand and culture.Candidate resources You want to be able to see candidates at their best. While they might have experience with Facetime or other video calling platforms, an online video interview is different. Theres more at stake for the candidate. Provide them with candidate resources so they can prepare and shine.Start by explaining how the process will go. Let them know what type of video interview theyll be going through so they know what to expect. Also, give them links to technical support so they know where to get immediate answers if theres an issue with the platform.Next, give them a list of things they need to consider before recording the interview. Tell them to double check for background noises or possible interruptions so there are no distractions. They should also make sure that the lighting in the room where they record is optimal and that the c amera theyre using is stable. While they certainly can use their cell phones or tablets to record, its better for everyone if those devices are supported and stationary so theres no shaky footage.Even if you dont end up hiring a particular candidate, they will appreciate that you made the effort to prepare them. This will improve your employer branding and give the candidate a chance to do better in the future.Giving candidates a resource packet before a videointerview improves your employerbrandingClick To TweetTheres more than one type of online video interview. Its important to know the differences so you can choose the right one for your hiring process. Here are the most common types of online video interviewsTypes of Online Video InterviewsOne-way video interviewsIn a one-way video interview candidates are given a set of questions that you have predetermined. They then go through the questions one by one and record their responses. Once theyre finished, they submit their interv iew to you and you review it whenever you have time.This type of interview is often used to replace the phone screen and gives HR professionals more control over the situation. For instance, you can decide how long candidates have to answer the questions. You can also determine if they have the option to re-record a response they make a mistake on.The greatest feature about this type of online video interview, by far, is its convenience. Candidates complete their interview whenever theyd like. If they currently have a busy work schedule, they can sit down and record their responses at midnight if necessary. Then you can watch the video on any device whenever you have a spare moment in your day. Live video interviewsThese types of interviews are similar to Google Hangouts or Skype. They occur in real-time with both parties present. Even though the interview is live, its a good idea to record them so they can be reviewed later.Live video interviews are usually conducted further into t he hiring process and are a great substitute for an impossible in-person interview. For example, if a candidate doesnt currently live in your region. You can have them do a live video interview instead of spending money to fly them out to your office.Using live video interviews gives you a chance to better see how a candidate reacts and communicates. You can actually see how they think through a question and ask follow-up questions if need be. Once an online video interview is complete, its time for the most important part evaluating the candidate. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a person is right for the jobEvaluating InterviewsEstablishing a clear criteriaWhen writing job descriptionsfor the open role, chances are you already created a list of the necessary skills and experiences. But there will be no candidate who perfectly matches all the requirements. This is why you need to take the time to clearly prioritize your hiring criteria.Determine which requirements are most important and why. Then think about which skills are less necessary and what other experiences they could be replaced with. For example, if youre in the technology industry and youre hiring a customer service representative, will it suffice if the candidate only has experience dealing with customers in a retail setting?Once you have a set criteria, create a checklist or a scoring system that allows you to objectively assess each candidate. Be sure to share it with all members of your hiring gruppe so everyone is on the same page.Taking notesSometimes youll know within seconds of reviewing an online video interview that the candidate isnt right for the job. But that doesnt mean you should hit karenz and stop watching their responses. Continue to take notes of why they arent going to be hired, but also on their strengths. This can help you in a number of ways in the future.First, it gives you and your hiring team a concrete example of what the wrong candidate looks like. It w ill help everyone learn and make better hiring decisions later on. Second, it will allow you to create a talent pool you can tap into later. If a candidate clearly doesnt have the skills for the current position, take note of their qualifications and strengths. You can always reconsider them when the perfect position opens up. Then you can reach back out and see if theyd like to re-apply with your company.Team collaborationOnline video interviews make it easy to share candidates responses with whoever is involved in the hiring process. They dont have to be present for the interview, but they can still share their opinions. Every person on the hiring team can review candidate responses whenever it fits into their schedule. This allows you to consider each candidate from multiple perspectives and make a more informed decision about who to hire.Tweet Videointerviews make it easier to collaborate when hiring.There are many options when it comes to online video interview platforms. But w hen you know what you need to be successful, you can make the best choice for your company. Then you can create a better, more efficient hiring process.Want more information on online video interviews? Watch our webinar

Executive Assistant Job Description Sample

Executive Assistant Job Description SampleExecutive Assistant Job Description SampleExecutive Assistant Job Description SampleThis executive assistant sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Executive Assistant Job ResponsibilitiesEnhances executives effectiveness by providing information management support representing the executive to others.Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics.Conserves executives time by reading, researching, and routing correspondence drafting letters and documents collecting and analyzing information initiating telecommunications.Maintains executives appointment schedule by planning and scheduling meetings, conferences, teleconferences, and travel.Represents the executive by attendi ng meetings in the executives absence speaking for the executive.Welcomes guests and customers by greeting them, in person or on the telephone answering or directing inquiries.Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.Completes projects by assigning work to clerical staff following up on results.Prepares reports by collecting and analyzing information.Secures information by completing data base backups.Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems recording meeting discussions.Maintains geschftszimmer supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level anticipating needed supplies evaluating new office products placing and expediting orders for supplies verifying receipt of supplies.Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements following manufacturers instructions troubleshooting malfunctions calling for repairs maintaining equipment inventories e valuating new equipment and techniques.Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops reviewing professional publications establishing personal networks participating in professional societies.Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.Executive Assistant Skills and QualificationsWriting Skills, Reporting Skills, Supply Management, Scheduling, Microsoft Office Skills, Organization, Time Management, Presentation Skills, Equipment Maintenance, Travel Logistics, Verbal CommunicationFinding a Great Executive AssistantWhere will you find your next executive assistant who will keep your office running smoothly? Hiring the right person for the job can be a tall order. But weve got the next best thing. Sign up for exclusive https//www.youtube.com/ advice and well send you helpful hiring tips delivered right to your inbox. Well even throw in a special job posting offer to get you moving in the right direction. Lets get hiring

How to Not Be Nervous in a Job Interview (Tip List)

How to Not Be Nervous in a Job Interview (Tip List)How to Not Be Nervous in a Job Interview (Tip List)It is normal to feel a certain degree of job bewerbungsvorstellungsgesprch nerves before and during a job bewerbungsgesprch. You may really want the job and know you have to perform under pressure, or you may be naturally shy.You all know that bewerberinterviewer will be in control of the conversation and you do bedrngnis know what questions will be asked. This can lead to anxiety and make you feel nervous in a job interview.Dont worry. There are are a number of tips for staying calm during a job interview which can help to reduce and manage your anxiety.Try and keep positive and not put too much pressure on yourself. Youve probably read guides on how to write aresume and spent time applying for jobs. Youve made it through to the interview stage which is fantastic. At the sametime, there are other jobs out there so its not the end of the world if you dont get the job.Preparation is t he key to overcoming job interview nerves. There are a number of steps you can take during the days leading up to the big day, and other job interview tips to help you calm on the day of the interview.Preparation the key to handling job interview nervesHow not to be nervous in a job interview? The foundation for interview confidence is preparation. There are a number of steps you can take in the run-up to the interview that will help you to feel calm and in control. They will allow you to go into the interview with a positive mindset.Research the companyGo through the companys website and find out as much as you can. This will give you an indication of what they are looking for and it showing that you have done your homework will give a positive impression.Know your resume and predict questionsRead through it many times over and imagine you are the interviewer scrutinizing it. This will help you to predict the questions, and allow you to prepare answers. If its a professional resume with gaps, be prepared to explain them. Learning how to prepare for your job interview using your resume will help you not to be nervous in a job interview.Prepare answers to common questionsPreparing answers to typical interview questions isa necessary step to dealing with job interview nerves. One of the major causes of anxiety before an interview is not knowing what questions, many of them are predictable. Be ready to answer questions like tell me about yourself and where do you see yourself in five years?.Go to the distribution policy of the interview beforehandIf you are prone to being nervous in a job interview, being late or having a stressful journey before the first interview can make the feeling worse. If you can, do a practice run to the place a few days before.Plan your outfit in advanceChoose your outfit at least 24 hours before the interview, this will help to prevent a last-minute rush. Pick something smart that you feel comfortable. It is best to be a little overdre ssed than underdressed. Read this guide on how to dress for a job interview for more specific information.Look after yourselfThe better you feel about yourself, the less nervous youll be in the job interview. Take special care to look after your physical health in the week leading up to the interview. Eat healthily, avoid late nights, steer clear of too much alcohol, and do some exercise. This will give you a physical feeling of optimism and positivity.How to control job interview nerves on the big dayHow to deal with job interview nerves One the day of the interview there is a number of steps you can take to help you not feel nervous in a job interview. Follow behauptung tips to not be nervous in a job interview and nail the big day.Bring a bottle of water and some snacksFeeling thirsty can affect the sound of your voice, which can affect your confidence. You also want to avoid being hungry as you want to keep your energy levels up, take some healthy snacks such as nuts and fruit.T ake your resume with youIf youve spent time looking through resume templates, writing the perfect resume, and sending it to employers, why not take a copy with you? Having it in front of you can give you confidence and can help you to jog your memory.Focus on your breathingThe feeling of anxiety can increase your heart rate which can send you into a panic. If this happens before or during the interview, take a deep breath slowly through your nose (count slowly to three while youre doing it), then slowly breathe out through your nose. Repeat this three times and it will lower your heart rate.Enter confidently and break the iceGive the impression of self-confidence and it will give you confidence. Smile and give the interviewer a strong handshake. Before the interview begins,try to break the ice in a natural way. Complimenting the office space is a positive way to do it. Alternatively, you could comment on the weather or your journey.Avoid speaking quicklyNerves can make you talk too quickly. This is problematic in an interview as you can stumble over your words and end up giving answers which you havent thought through. Dont rush to answer questions, pause after each question, take a deep breath, and answer slowly and concisely, aim for around 30 seconds per question.How to Not Be Nervous in a Job Interview (Tip List)It is normal to feel a certain degree of job interview nerves before and during a job interview. You may really want the job and know you have to perform under pressure, or you may be naturally shy.You all know that interviewer will be in control of the conversation and you do not know what questions will be asked. This can lead to anxiety and make you feel nervous in a job interview.Dont worry. There are are a number of tips for staying calm during a job interview which can help to reduce and manage your anxiety.Try and keep positive and not put too much pressure on yourself. Youve probably read guides on how to write aresume and spent time applyi ng for jobs. Youve made it through to the interview stage which is fantastic. At the sametime, there are other jobs out there so its not the end of the world if you dont get the job.Preparation is the key to overcoming job interview nerves. There are a number of steps you can take during the days leading up to the big day, and other job interview tips to help you calm on the day of the interview.Preparation the key to handling job interview nervesHow not to be nervous in a job interview? The foundation for interview confidence is preparation. There are a number of steps you can take in the run-up to the interview that will help you to feel calm and in control. They will allow you to go into the interview with a positive mindset.Research the companyGo through the companys website and find out as much as you can. This will give you an indication of what they are looking for and it showing that you have done your homework will give a positive impression.Know your resume and predict que stionsRead through it many times over and imagine you are the interviewer scrutinizing it. This will help you to predict the questions, and allow you to prepare answers. If its a professional resume with gaps, be prepared to explain them. Learning how to prepare for your job interview using your resume will help you not to be nervous in a job interview.Prepare answers to common questionsPreparing answers to typical interview questions isa necessary step to dealing with job interview nerves. One of the major causes of anxiety before an interview is not knowing what questions, many of them are predictable. Be ready to answer questions like tell me about yourself and where do you see yourself in five years?.Go to the place of the interview beforehandIf you are prone to being nervous in a job interview, being late or having a stressful journey before the first interview can make the feeling worse. If you can, do a practice run to the place a few days before.Plan your outfit in advanceCh oose your outfit at least 24 hours before the interview, this will help to prevent a last-minute rush. Pick something smart that you feel comfortable. It is best to be a little overdressed than underdressed. Read this guide on how to dress for a job interview for more specific information.Look after yourselfThe better you feel about yourself, the less nervous youll be in the job interview. Take special care to look after your physical health in the week leading up to the interview. Eat healthily, avoid late nights, steer clear of too much alcohol, and do some exercise. This will give you a physical feeling of optimism and positivity.How to control job interview nerves on the big dayHow to deal with job interview nerves One the day of the interview there is a number of steps you can take to help you not feel nervous in a job interview. Follow these tips to not be nervous in a job interview and nail the big day.Bring a bottle of water and some snacksFeeling thirsty can affect the soun d of your voice, which can affect your confidence. You also want to avoid being hungry as you want to keep your energy levels up, take some healthy snacks such as nuts and fruit.Take your resume with youIf youve spent time looking through resume templates, writing the perfect resume, and sending it to employers, why not take a copy with you? Having it in front of you can give you confidence and can help you to jog your memory.Focus on your breathingThe feeling of anxiety can increase your heart rate which can send you into a panic. If this happens before or during the interview, take a deep breath slowly through your nose (count slowly to three while youre doing it), then slowly breathe out through your nose. Repeat this three times and it will lower your heart rate.Enter confidently and break the iceGive the impression of self-confidence and it will give you confidence. Smile and give the interviewer a strong handshake. Before the interview begins,try to break the ice in a natural way. Complimenting the office space is a positive way to do it. Alternatively, you could comment on the weather or your journey.Avoid speaking quicklyNerves can make you talk too quickly. This is problematic in an interview as you can stumble over your words and end up giving answers which you havent thought through. Dont rush to answer questions, pause after each question, take a deep breath, and answer slowly and concisely, aim for around 30 seconds per question.

Engineering Musical Drums

Engineering Musical Drums Engineering Musical Drums Engineering Musical DrumsBy Soren MaloneyWhat are musical steel drums?The steel drum is the only acoustic betriebsmittel developed in the last century. In the United States the betriebsmittel is known as the steel drum whereas throughout fruchtwein of the Caribbean, the instrument is commonly referred to as the steelpan or pan. The steelpan has its roots in the drumming traditions of the two largest ethnic groups in Trinidad and Tobago Afro and Indo Trinidadians, and was invented around the Second World War. Prior to the invention of the steelpan, islanders fashioned musical instruments from biscuit pans, paint tins, grease barrels, wooden buckets and bamboo poles. The expanding oil industry and the American Naval bases in Trinidad during World War II provided an abundance of oil drums which gave.Figure 1 Used 55 gallon oil drumsway to a new material for experimenting. The end of the Second World War saw a new instrument in the for m of the steelpan, and today, the majority of steelpans are produced from used or virgin 55-gallon oil drums as shown in figure 1.Every steelpan consists of two regions the playing surface on which the note regions are located and the side commonly referred to as the skirt (see figure 2). In music, note refers to the sign used in musical schreibung or to the pitch of a sound. The word note with respect to the steelpan is also used when referring to the physical space or the region allocated to a musical note on the pans surface as seen in figure 2. Over the decades, steelpans have evolved into a range of instruments with different pan types. The present playing range of the family of steelpans extends approximately five octaveson the Western musical scale. Since invention, steelpans continue to be predominantly pranke-crafted from closed-top, low-carbon-steel oil drums. The overall pan making processes involves 1) dishing the drum top, 2) creating the note regions on the playing sur face, 3) cutting the side of the drum, 4) heating the playing surface, 5) initial tuning of the note regions, 6) coating of the pan and 7) fine tuning of the note regions.The first step in the traditional pan making process makes use of a sledgehammer or a heavy metal ball to achieve a dished surface that forms the playing surface on which the note regions are created. After dishing, the note regions are formed on the playing surface and the side of the drum is cut to length depending on the pan type in production. In the case of bass pans the entire drum side is retained. Note regions are typically arranged so that adjacent notes share a consonant musical relationship such that when played simultaneously sounds pleasing to the human ear. Before tuning note regions, the playing surface is heated to provide a form of stress relief from the dishing and note-creating operations. This heating is believed to provide some surface hardening through the effect of strain ageing of the steel. Pan tuning, the final stage, is considered to be one of the most sophisticated steps of the entire steelpan production process. During tuning the pan maker hand-tunes two or three modes in each note region to frequencies on the Western twelve tone equal temperament scale. These mode frequencies are tuned to have a consonant musical relationship. Steelpan tuning remains a skill that takes many years to master and there are only a handful of master pan tuners. The steelpan is chrome plated or painted to provide corrosion protection and a final fine tuning is done to compensate for the detuning caused by the coating process.Mechanized dish forming processesSeveral problems associated with sinking by hand have lead pan makers to search for mechanized alternatives to dish forming. Some of ansicht problems range from high noise intensity levels, material wastage due to splitting of the drum during the sinking process, and problems experienced by pan builders which include noise induced h earing loss and exposure to hand-arm vibrations. Some of the mechanized processes applied to dishing by pan makers include, pneumatic hammering, conventional spinning and hydroforming.Pneumatic hammering has become popular among pan makers owing to its relatively low cost and high speed. It is also less energy demanding when compared with traditional hand sinking but requires just as much skill on the part of the pan maker to avoid splitting the drum surface. However, this technique also exposes the pan builders to high noise levels 100dB and problems connected with hand arm vibrations.Conventional lathe spinning has also been successfully used and involves the progressive shaping of a rotating metal blank over a rotating mandrel in the shape of the dish to be formed as illustrated in figure 3.Spinning unlike traditional handcrafting and pneumatic hammering makes it possible to produce pan dishes with a relatively good degree of consistency since the same mandrel is used repeatedly . The finished dish is subsequently attached to a cylindrical side. Manual spinning can also be physically challenging and requires dexterity as control of the process is highly dependent on the competence of the operator. However, spinning of pans can take advantage of programmable numerical control (PNC) which uses playback technology. Here, the pan dish is spun manually by an experienced operator while his motion is recorded and played back to form subsequent dishes. This capitalizes on both operator skill and the repeatability given by the computer.Figure 3 Spin forming of a pan dishHydroforming is another sheet metal forming process that has been applied to pan dishing. The time savings achieved by this process is phenomenal but the relatively high capital outlay requires the production of a large volume of pans in order to recoup capital and tooling costs. Hydroforming does not expose pan makers to high noise and vibration levels and delivers pans with superior geometrical acc uracy, tolerance and repeatability but has poor flexibility as dedicated tools will be required for each pan type.Metal alloy alternatives to low-carbon steelOther pan makers have experimented with metal alloys such as alpha-brass (70%Cu/30%Zn), 304 stainless steel and aluminum 6061 (T0 and T6 heat treatable grades). These metal alloys were suitable because of their high formability and exceptional corrosion resistant properties. The use of aluminum provides the opportunity for light-weight pans which can be hard coated and colored through the anodizing process. However, very few pan makers produce pans from these materials in-spite of their attractive properties. The principal drawback is the relatively high cost of these materials while another drawback is related to the careful control and sophisticated equipment required to provide heat treatment to these alloys. For instance, pans made from stainless steels may require intermittent solution treatment annealing during the dishin g stage due to the rapid work hardening of stainless steel. Solution treatment involves heating the steel to between 1010C and 1120C before cooling rapidly. If the stainless steel is not cooled rapidly, particularly between 500C and 850C, there is a risk of sensitization in which chromium carbides precipitates from the steel thereby undermining its corrosion protection capability.Vibration behaviorThe steelpan like most percussion instruments is a pitched percussion instrument in which there are two distinctive features. Firstly, the first mode in each steelpan note is tuned to have a dominant fundamental tone and secondly, some of the natural frequencies of the higher modes are tuned into a harmonic relationship with the fundamental. Numerous modal testing studies have been performed on steelpans, and the unique vibration behavior of steelpan notes in which vibrations are predominantly localized within the boundaries of excited notes is well documented (see figure 4).However, unlik e several other percussion instruments such as the timpani, marimba, xylophone and Indian drums, there is no analytical or numerical model that adequately describes the vibration behavior of steelpan note regions. Even with advances in computational capabilities, the modeling of steelpan notes remains a formidable challenge. The challenge may be in part due to the difficulty of modeling the residual stresses brought on by the heating and forming cycles experienced by the pan surface.The steelpan is a new instrument that is continuing to evolve, with opportunities for further innovation in the application of metal forming techniques, materials selection and modeling of vibration behavior. Hand and pneumatic sinking although very cheap exposes pan makers to high noise and vibration levels, which is a direct threat to their health and longevity as craftsmen.Figure 4 Vibration mode shapes of first three natural frequencies of a steelpan note (a) first mode, (b) second mode and (c) third modeHydroforming while relatively quiet, skill independent and fast, is inflexible, require significant capital outlay, and large volumes of dishes would be required to break even on investment. The spinning technology is also very attractive provided that it can be fully automated. Although the poor corrosion properties and heavy weight of low-carbon steel are significant disadvantages to its usage in pan production, its low cost, abundant availability, ease of forming and recyclability will continue to see low-carbon steel as the de-facto material for pan making. Although alpha-brass, stainless steel and aluminum offer attractive benefits, pan makers may long remain hesitant to change as current production and tuning techniques have evolved around more than seven decades of using low-carbon steel.ReferencesMaloney, S.E., Acoustics and Manufacture of Caribbean Steelpans. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2011Blake, F.I.R., The Trinidad and Tobago Steel Pan History and Evoluti on. 1st ed. 1995, Port of Spain Speeds Printery.Kronman, U., Steelpan Tuning A handbook for steelpan making and tuning. 1991, Stockholm, Sweden Musikmuseet.Murr, L.E., S.M. Gaytan, M.I. Lopez, D.E. Bujanda, E.Y. Martinez, G. Whitmyre, and H.Price, Metallurgical and acoustical characterization of a hydroformed, 304 stainless steel, Caribbean-style musical pan. Materials Characterization, 2008. 59(3) p. 321 -328.Barlow, C.Y., B.E. Richardson, J. Woodhouse, and J. Zarek, The Caribbean Steel Drum. Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics, 1988 p. 193-198.