The 10 best interview questions that find great talent

While folks seeking employment may spend hours prepping for their interviews, the failure to adequately prepare typically comes on the end of the person asking the questions. The people you hire can be your greatest strength or your biggest liability, and we owe it to ourselves and our businesses to take the time to find the most talented employees who are also a good fit for our business model.

Prospective employees prepare canned responses to the questions they think you’ll ask. Their goal is to make themselves look good—to amplify their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. Your goal should be to set up a discussion that reveals patterns in their behavior and predicts how they’ll fare in your company. Past behavior predicts future behavior, so make it your goal to collect some honest, thoughtful responses that will give you a better idea of how each candidate will actually perform. What are the key questions you should ask?

1. What is your purpose in life? Most people haven’t thought about this question. If they haven’t, then they’re far more likely to be working solely for the money, and you will know that they’re more likely to jump ship for a chance at more money. Since staff turnover is so expensive – both in time and money—one of your primary goals should be to define which candidates have long-term potential.

2. How do you make decisions? What you’re looking for in this instance is thought patterns. Ask your candidates to take you through their decision-making processes, and then ask for examples of decisions they’ve made. Check to see if their real-life decisions are made by employing their processes. You’re looking for consistency between what your applicants say and what they do.

3. Show me how you’d … Ask your applicant to demonstrate one or two of the tasks they’ll be performing for your business. How do you answer the phone? How would you try to sell me this product? How would you edit this document? How would you handle this programming need? Even though the candidate may feel self-conscious, you will gain valuable insight into the ways they perform.

4. How did you go about researching our company? This question lets you immediately differentiate between casual applicants and those who are authentically interested. A candidate who takes the time to learn about your company and its goals is serious.

5. Tell me something about me that you think is interesting. Following up on the previous question, you’re sifting out the applicants who haven’t bothered to learn about your company and the goals of its founder. You’re also putting the applicants on the spot and creating an opportunity to see how they think on their feet.

6. What have your past bosses been like? This question will give you an idea of how candidates relate to authority and will tell you how each candidate likes to be managed. Again, remember that what you’re looking for is patterns in behavior. The tale of one horrendous boss may not indicate trouble, but a litany of gripes about every supervisor indicates a potentially problematic relationship with authority.

7. What is your greatest fear about this position? The goal of this question is two-fold. First, you can weed out candidates who aren’t entirely honest. Any applicant who claims to not have any fears isn’t being completely truthful. Second, you’ll be able to identify each candidate’s weaknesses (and they all have them). Identifying weaknesses gives you another measure of comparison among candidates, and it can even help you get your new staff member started off right by focusing on the areas about which they’ve expressed concern.

8. If money were no object, what would your ideal job be? Ideal candidates will be working in—or working toward—their ideal jobs. If the position you’re hiring for has no relationship to the ultimate goals of your applicants, then they’re unlikely to be dedicated, long-term employees. If, however, your job is a step toward what they want to be doing, then even though you may not keep them forever, you’ll get great results from those employees who will continue to work in your field.

9. Who are the biggest jerks you’ve had to deal with in life? The answers to this question will reveal how your candidates see other people. It reveals how they label others and whether they accept responsibility or shift blame. What you’re looking for is how each candidate resolves the conflict that’s inevitably going to occur.

10. What parts of work drive you nuts? The question gives you another way to get at each applicant’s weaknesses. The parts of work that we find frustrating highlight our weaknesses and ways in which we struggle.

Keep in mind that it’s not necessarily a specific answer that qualifies or disqualifies any candidate from employment; you’re looking for the employee who will be the best fit for your company’s culture and goals. You’re looking to anticipate future performance and hire successful, long-term staff. With that goal in mind, I strongly advise hiring for every position on a test or trial basis.

If after the trial period—say three months—you decide that the employee is a keeper, try this bonus tip: Invite them to leave with a $500 check in hand, or stay for a full-time position. The employee who takes the $500 check relieves you of the future expense of time and money that’s associated with further training, while the employee who rips up the check demonstrates the commitment to you and your company that indicates dedication and long-term success.

11 things men adore about the woman they love

When a man is falling in love with a woman, there are many small or less obvious things about her and her personality that will bring a smile not only to his face, but also to his heart.

What are some things the man in your life probably loves about you, but may not have told you?

1. He loves the way he smiles when he thinks about you.

It doesn’t matter if he’s stressed out at work, stuck in traffic, or just bored scrolling through Facebook. If a man is lucky, he will have a woman come into his life who can make him smile without even being in the same zip code.

Just the thought of her or hearing her name will light him up like fireworks on the 4th of July. What’s not to love about that?

2. He loves when he makes you smile.

Have you ever noticed a guy who seemed to pick up momentum when he’s being funny? Even sorta-semi-funny, but not really, but damn he was trying?

A man loves to see the woman in his life smiling, laughing, and having a good time. And even more, he loves to be the source of that smile, even if it means making dumb jokes for her to laugh at.

3. He loves being physically close to you.

Whether the two of you are cuddled up on the couch or standing next to each other waiting for your cab, a man loves being close to the woman in his life. It’s a great way to feel connected with someone — physically and emotionally.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of the woman you care about laying on your chest or resting her head on your shoulder. Don’t ask me why, it’s just science.

4. He loves when you play with his hair while he’s driving.

I wish I could give you a reason for this, but all I can say is that it’s the best thing ever.

5. He loves the way you smile after he kisses you.

You know that euphoric rush that comes over you when you kiss the right person? That feeling of endorphins and emotions that seems to take you over? That spark you feel when you kiss him or her?

Sometimes, there’s no other reaction to that feeling than to just … smile.

6. He loves when he catches you looking at him.

Men, like anyone else, crave the feeling of being wanted. Many times, we’re the pursuers in a relationship and we feel as though we’re consistently trying to prove ourselves in order to get attention, a first date, a second date. You get the idea.

When we’re with a woman who we feel really wants to be with us — who gives us the same affection and effort we give her, who we feel might just fall in love with us — there’s no better feeling in the world.

7. He loves when you do that funny little thing you probably don’t even know you do.

Maybe you crinkle your nose when you laugh, or maybe you hit him on the shoulder when you’re (a little) mad. Maybe you play with your hair when you get a little nervous.

Whatever it is, you may just do it naturally, but he notices. He notices because that’s one of the many little things separating you from any other woman he’s ever met. And he loves it.

8. He loves how natural things feel with you.

I was going to call this point “he loves how he doesn’t have to try” to convey the idea that things should come easily, but obviously, every man (and woman) has to put in consistent effort and try to make a relationship work.

But two people can just be completely comfortable together and their relationship will feel natural. They’ll be content, but not in a complacent or bored way. They’ll be content in a deep sigh, and look into each other’s eyes and think, “So, this is how it’s supposed to be …”

9. He loves going to you for advice.

When you really respect someone for who they are and the things they think, you value their opinion in ways that trump the thoughts of others.

You want to get their advice. You want to hear what they think about your latest conundrum. You want to get their input and perspective. If the man in your life not only asks for your opinion, but really takes it to heart and factors it into his decisions, take it as a great sign.

10. He loves when you get physical with him.

No, I don’t just mean sexually (though no guy will complain about the woman in his life initiating sex); I’m referring to the little things — the random hugs, the random kisses on his cheek, the random hand on his knee while you’re sitting next to him, or the arm around him while you’re walking.

These are things that, dare I say, are more intimate than sex. Any two people who are attracted to each other can have sex, but the smaller physical gestures are things you only do with someone you really care about.

They’re things that literally connect the two of you together. They’re things that combine your energy and make “you and me” into “us.”

11. He loves looking into your eyes.

Looking into another person’s eyes can be a little awkward. You’re not really sure where to look, which eye to look at, or maybe you should just look at the bridge of their nose.

But not with you. The awkwardness dissipates and is replaced by excitement.

It’s replaced by hope. It’s replaced by love — a love that can only grow between two people who open the windows to their souls and allow one to reach through embrace the other. A calm serenity that makes you want to hold your gaze, not turn away.

When a woman is right for a man — and I mean, when she is really right for him — there will never be a list long enough to explain all the things he loves about her.

There will never be a word strong enough to describe how he feels. There will never be a way for him to communicate how deeply he cares for her.

All he will be able to do when she asks him, “What’s that look for?” is smile, shake his head, and say, “Oh, nothing …” Because sometimes, that’s all he can muster.

But believe me, it’s just his way of telling you that no words will ever suffice — only love will.

Dj Maestro jailed for internet scam

Popular Tamale radio presenter, DJ Maestro jailed for Internet scam

Top Tamale radio presenter,  Nuhu Abu Hassan, also known as DJ Maestro has beenjailed for 4 years by a Circuit Court for fraud. He  duped a member of the Federal Council of Germany, Hans Dieter Heirrich, through the internet. Heirrich fell to Maestro’s scams over a period of time after he expressed interest in investing in the Northern region of Ghana.

A well-known presenter who was recently nominated for Best Hiplife DJ in the region, he was arrested and later granted bail after a complaint was lodged that he had defrauded his victim to the tune of $17,000, claiming it was meant for building a house at Sagnarigu, a suburb in Tamale.

The accused and his victim met through the internet nine months ago and struck an acquaintance.

The German legislator later expressed interest in owning a house in Tamale and asked if his new-found friend could be of assistance, and the radio presenter obliged.

The German MP then asked Nuhu Abu Hassan to find out the quotations for him to wire the money for the purpose of building a befitting house for him, but the suspect took fake drawings and emailed to him.

The cash was subsequently sent and after some months, he sent the German MP picturesof a house that rather belonged to his neighbours.

Unknown to him, the German paid a surprise visit to Ghana and dashed to the North only to realise that he had been duped, since there was no house as claimed by the radio presenter.

A complaint was therefore lodged with the police leading to the presenter’s arrest.

Funnyface’s Range Rover smashed by an articulated truck

Funnyface’s Range Rover smashed by an articulated truck

Comedian, Funnyface's  Range Rover was  involved in a car accident earlier today. According to Funny Face, an articulated truck skipped three cars to hit his Range Rover. He survived  the accident but the car was been badly damaged. The accident happened at Nsawam just before the toll booth.

The popular comedian and actor, Funny Face gave account of the incident on social media. He shared an image of his car and wrote, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY ... ! am still alive !! How can articulator skip 3 cars and hit mine? Hmmm ... I made him go .... only Him , knows where He is coming from ! The Devil is liar ! #Funnyfans pls remember me in ur prayers !".

Three feared dead in accident

                                  Three feared dead in accident

Three people are feared dead in an accident at McCarthy Junction on the Malam-Kasoa Highway.

Announcement to all HOSA members

                               

Hello patriotic members of HOSA,
As we all know a big tree has falling in our alma mater (HOAPSCO), our grandpa mr. Plange has passed away and he will be buried somewhere 1st week in september.
We all are suppose to contribute towards the funeral, executives are given GHC10 and members GHC5.
Romans 12:15 tells us that, we should rejoice with those who are rejoicing and mourn with those who are mourning. So let us all show sympathy to the family by given our contribution and God is going to bless us all for HE has promised us in Luke 6:38 that, Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
SO PLS, LET US ALL GIVE CHEERFULLY.
Mode of payment : Mtn Mobile Money =====) 0240671705

call me when you drop your contribution or you can also bring it to my house.

Akorli Francis,
Hosa treasurer.

Inspiration and Motivation

                                     Your life…your rules

Hello and welcome to ‘A PIECE OF PEACE’, your weekly dose of motivation and inspiration. This week is shaping up to be quite an interesting one. Over the weekend, I got a call from one of my girls who was going through the proverbial African parent drama of what she should do with her life. Here is the dilemma:

My friend passionately wants to be a fashion designer. She has spent the best part of 5 years which is equal to a life time in my eyes looking at patterns, designs, runway looks and even drawing up her own sketches which I think look absolutely amazing. She is however from a family where over achievement is what everyone strives for and simply getting an A in an exam without the beautiful star next to it (A*) is just not good enough. “I mean do you know how many other children get A’s in exams? How can my own daughter be part of the A students? There should be a higher category and she should be the only one in that league,” according to her dad. The family is well accomplished. The mother is a chartered accountant working with one of the top four consultancies in the world with a six-figure salary to match. The dad is an industrialist coming from an ancestry of industrialists (what I like to call ‘old money’). Her grandfather made his first million when he was 21 in the property boom in the UK when it was still fashionable to wear Swarovski encrusted name belt buckles (thinking of which I used to have one with Regina written on it, that was the coolest belt ever…I wonder if I can bring that fashion trend back). Today my friend is at a crossroads. She is a qualified lawyer from a top UK institution and has just landed a high paying job with a law firm in the UK.

This is not her passion. She lives to design. The conversation came up once with her dad and that was all the time it needed. Once! “No daughter of mine will be a seamstress!” is what the dad concluded.

So my friend called me, asking what I think she should do. My advice was quite simple. Always do what you are passionate about. We live in a world where everyone is a commentator on what is best for our lives. I completely agree that parents should structure a child’s upbringing and provide them with the best possible options to be successful in life. But I think a lot of parents push their dreams and expectations unfairly on the lives of their children. In a society dictated by opinion polls and social media likes, there is already difficulty in being who we really are without the pressures from families, loved ones and friends.

Like my dear friend who is being pressured to live a life, which she passionately does not want, due to family pressures and expectations, there are several others who feel lost and stuck in a world they are not happy with. It is a sad situation to be in and like my friend I empathize with anyone currently reading this who can relate. You only have one shot at achieving what God wants for your life. It is your responsibility alone to fight for your future. Your truest potential lies in your untapped passion. There is something only you can do that nobody else can and once we tap into that gift, you will find that everything else just lines up for a destiny you never thought possible.

As teacher I have witnessed several children with a lot of promise and enthusiasm for what the future holds, give up along the way because society told them they were not good enough and they should stop dreaming and focus on more realistic life goals. I called my friend and asked her, if she only had 24 hours to live, what would she want to spend that time doing? Sitting in a law firm rummaging through legal precedents, injunctions and court cases or sitting behind a sewing machine getting ready to create one of the most amazing wedding dresses the world has ever seen. You decide! No one can decide for you. And until that decision is made, you will always live a life of regret and misery. Take a leap of faith today faith builders and do the unthinkable- Decide to live your life on your own terms and not the life others want for you and it will surprise you how far you will go. And always remember to be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

Much Love,

Francis Akorli.

Inspiration and Motivation

A Piece of Peace: A Life is a sad thing to waste

Hello and welcome to a Piece of Peace. Your weekly dose of inspiration and motivation. This week I would like to share on the topic “A Life is a sad thing to waste”.  Have you ever had one of those days where you desperately want to get something done, but no matter how hard you try it seems like your productivity is just not there? Well I was having one of those days earlier this week and so I decided to put on the TV, which I watch probably once every three months. As I was scrolling through, I came across a program on discovery discussing drug abuse in the entertainment industry. The documentary was highlighting the number of celebrities that had lost their lives to this negative vice and why there was a trend of persistent drug use in the Industry. It really shocked me because I did not realise how many great celebrities and iconic talents had lost their lives due to drugs. My all time favourite Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and so many others. There were others who were also not dead, but they had lost all credibility and no longer had careers due to their use of drugs. It was really sad. It made me think, what is the point of achieving your potential and utilising your God given talents to reach extraordinary heights only to throw everything away when you get to the top?

There are so many of us who may not necessarily have a drug related problem, but may also be dealing with a different negative vice which is just as damaging or destructive. It is impossible to achieve anything great without going through trials and tribulations. But sometimes, the challenges we face on the way to success may lead us on a self-destructive path if we do not manage that success wisely. Today I see a lot of young girls embarking on different journey’s in their lives with initially, pure dreams of success and somewhere along the way, they get sucked into the dark maze of negativity they encounter on the road to success. I’ve watched people with morals and sound principles, reject the lessons that have brought them to the point of success simply because it was no longer fashionable to be the only one in the room who is not smoking or sleeping their way to the next breakthrough.

I learned a valuable lesson from watching all those lost lives. Sometimes, you have to get out of your own way to find your purpose, because at the end of the day, all that matters in this brief vacation we take on earth is that we didn’t shrink into a corner and waste the days we were given seeking approval of other and doing what we have to do rather rising and taking the challenge of becoming all we were created to be! It might have been a touch couple of years but he will carry your through. Faith builders remember that time God showed up in your battle, he reclaimed what he created and announced you a winner! It’s time. Your dreams are waiting for you on the other side of your fear! Lets Go!

And remember, be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

Much Love,

Francis Akorli.

Twitter: grammyboy

Instagram: grammyboy1

Ofori Amponsah Returns To Secular Music, To Release Highlife Song

Ofori Amponsah Returns To Secular Music, To Release Highlife Song

Ghanaian highlife–artiste-turned–pastor, Ofori Amponsah is set to release a new highlife song soon.

The Man of God, who quit secular music some years to pursue full-time ministry, preaching the word of God, is returning to unveil a love song for his fans.

Manager of the artiste, Franklyn Wiafe Agyekum speaking in an interview on Showbiz Review on Hitz FM, revealed that the singer will remain a pastor and still give back to his fans.

“Ofori Amponsah is coming back with a highlife song,” he said.

According to him, singing about love between a man and a woman is approved by God, and is not wrong.

Popularly known as ‘Mr All 4 Real’, Ofori Amponsah, who has been out of the music industry for some years now, started writing music at age thirteen and is one of the most famous contemporary highlife artistes in Ghana.

He was introduced into the music industry by Daddy Lumba but became a pastor a few years ago.

He is currently the Head Pastor of the Holy Ground Sanctuary in Accra.

Sarkodie is not a human being - Actress

Sarkodie Is Not A Human Being – Actress

Actress Bibi Bright, known for producing ‘Lost in His Glory’ in interview on The Late Nite Celebrity Show to talk Showbiz chose Sarkodie over Samini and Stonebwoy. In her words;

“It’s so hard to choose but all of them are close to my heart when it comes to music but I think ‘I’m on my way to the Grammy’ Sarkodie, that guy is a god when it comes to music.

Touching on the BET Awards nominations, she added;

“Why are people arguing about Stonebwoy’s nomination, he has really paid his dues.

Asamoah Gyan's 'sextape' saga

Police arrest journalist for allegedly blackmailing Asamoah Gyan over ‘sextape’ saga

The entertainment media fraternity has been buzzing with news that  showbiz journalist, Osarfo Anthony has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing Asamaoh Gyan’s management in order to prevent him from further leaking evidence about the footballer’s trending sex scandal with Sara Kwablah. Media friends who visited Osarfo at the police station have confirmed that his arrest was caused by the management of the Ghana Black Stars Captain. 

The arrest was reportedly effected on Wednesday evening, July 29. According to Ghbase.com which is one of the platforms Osarfo Anthony works for, he was allegedly arrested by the police, after manager for Asamoah Gyan, Samuel Anim Addo had contacted him (Osarfo) to meet up with him, so he could also tell his side of the story. They entered into negotiations and apparently the reporter demanded a sum of GhC30,000 to ‘kill’ the story, unaware that the police was on standby to arrest him. Stay tuned as the story develops.

Pictures of Aseidu Nketiah's son's wedding

15 Lovely photos from Aseidu Nketiah’s son’s wedding with Abeiku Santana, Wutah Afriyie and more

I have already shared some first look photos from the wedding ceremony of Kwaku Aseidu Nketiah, son of Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress, held at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi. The event which was attended by politicians across the divide saw performances from Afriyie of Wutah fame and an appearance from Abeiku Santana and others.  The ceremony took place on, Saturday,  July 25, 2015. Check out 15 lovely shots from the cereony

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Are you damaging your relationship by doing these things?

There are some obvious ways to bring your relationship to an abrupt and painful ending, such as betraying your partner but there are other, slower ways to kill a relationship and sabotage its potential. Not everyone is aware of the subtler ways people can undermine their relationship. If you become aware of them, admit to and fix these damaging patterns. You could save a relationship from unnecessary doom.
 

1. Withdraw love and communication during conflict

This is a typical response by many when fighting with a partner, but in reality what it teaches your loved one is that your love is conditional and depends entirely on whether your relationship is agreeable or not. Make it clear that your love doesn’t rely on getting along. Ensure your partner knows that even if you’re raging at one another, your love is constant. If you make sure you and your partner feel loved no matter what, even when in crisis and conflict, it’s easier to recover from the arguments and get back to feeling close.

2. Bottle your feelings in and then explode

Avoiding your feelings, or not acknowledging the smaller irritations and problems as they occur don’t make them go away. In fact they build into bigger problems, which then have a tendency to erupt in big, damaging explosions of anger, hurt, buried resentments and grudging feelings. This calm until chaos creates a relationship of uncertainty. The partner on the receiving end never really knows how you’re feeling and can be anxious that you might explode at any time. This is not a harmonious relationship and many can’t sustain the reactionary, unpredictable nature of it. Try to be more transparent with your feelings as they occur, or soon after, to avoid the big build up and gigantic, overwhelming release which is difficult to deal with for your partner.

3. Constant criticism

Nagging criticism chips away at a relationship. It makes a person feel belittled, small and bad. If you criticise every little thing, without tempering that criticism with praise, eventually your partner will shrivel as a person instead of grow, or they will become frustrated, angry, hurt and seek positive praise elsewhere. By being overly negative, too frequently, over too many things, you sabotage what you good you share together and what wonderful things they do offer you and the relationship.

4. Oversharing details of your relationship with friends and family

Your relationship needs to come first or you risk ruining it. Your lover and partner is your priority, not your friends, extended family, social media or gossiping co-workers. Don’t make your personal life fodder for their amusement, and don’t vent your issues to them, especially when your partner has asked you to respect their privacy and the privacy of your personal relationship. Agree on topics that are okay to discuss with others and stick to those.

5. Too many white lies

Many people think it’s okay to lie a little, and especially the “white lie” which are those small lies, lies of omission or lies to protect someone’s feelings. It’s occasionally okay, by most, to hedge your bets a little and say something nice rather than a blatant truth which may be hurtful (“yes, honey, that outfit looks really great on you”) but in truth, your partner wants your honesty and to trust your word more than anything. Without it, you don’t have a solid foundation together. 

                Actor Hanks Anuku involved in an accident

Nigerian actor, Hanks Anuku was involved in an accident on the Madina – Ashaley Botwe road in Accra Wednesday morning.

The actor, who was recently arrested on the Spintex Road together with a film crew for shooting a movie without permit, was on a motorbike heading towards Nungua when he collided with a taxi.

Driver of the taxi, Godfred Kwasi Aki, told Hitz News @ 1 that, the actor approached him at top speed and then hit the side of his car.

The driver alleged that after the unfortunate incident, he asked Hanks to fix his car but the actor said there was no way he would fix the car when his bike was also damaged in the accident.

The actor, however told Hitz News @ 1 that, the taxi driver rather run into him and he will only fix his bike.

“Some guy just appeared from nowhere, but I’m not dead, I just need to fix my bike and he has to go wherever he has to, that’s [his] business,” he said.

According to him, some people only want to make a fuss about nothing especially when they notice the person involved is famous.

The actor was arrested on the Spintex Road with his film crew who were shooting a movie titled ‘Night Scenes in Ghana’.

The crew were shooting a robbery scene on the Spintex Road without permit and were arrested by the police for causing fear and panic.

Hanks Anuku is married with two children and has featured in movies such as ‘The Senator’, ‘The Senatorium’, ‘My Love’, ‘Desperados’ and ‘Broad Day Light’.